Youth Engagement and Legislative Politics in Focus
By O.V.Collins
The 13th Assembly of the National Association of Life Sciences Students (NALSS), University of Benin, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Ogbebor Oluwatimilehin, held a Parliamentary Summit on Saturday, 15 July, 2023, at the Life Sciences 500LT (Optometry Building), doubling as a memorial for late Rt. Hon. Eghosa Irabor Difference, the former Speaker of the 2nd Assembly, NALSS Supreme Assembly.
The summit, held under the theme “The Future of Legislation: Role of Youths in Effective Governance,” aimed to explore the crucial role of young people in shaping the legislative landscape.
The event commenced at approximately 11:30a.m with an opening remark from the Speaker of the 13th Assembly, Hon. Oluwatimilehin. The summit attracted several prominent personalities, including Hon. Daniel Uwadia, Nwaigo Bethel, Rt. Hon. Igbinedion Osaze, Rt. Hon. Prince Osawe Owague (represented by Comr. Ubeki Ogaga Michael), Rt. Hon. David Salami, Hon. Stewart Osasuwa, Comr. Ebere Odueza, Comr. Rita Apeji, Comr. Avwodigari Godswill, Rt. Hon. Ogunjobi Fakorede, and representatives from various student organizations such as the Association of Campus Journalists, University of Benin (ACJ UNIBEN), and UNIBEN Debate Club.
The first speaker at the summit was Hon. Daniel Uwadia, who spoke extensively on the roles of parliamentarians. He emphasized that parliamentarians should focus on making positive impacts and stressed the power of the parliament, stating, “the parliament happens to be the closest people to the people.” Uwadia encouraged parliamentarians to establish themselves and develop connections with individuals who possess diverse experiences and resources, as they can drive progress. He shared his own experiences of working with organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations and expressed his ambition to become the governor of Edo State in 2028.
Nwaigo Bethel, a former acting Speaker of 2nd Assembly, NALSS Supreme Assembly, briefly spoke about his close association with the late Rt. Hon. Eghosa Irabor Difference. Bethel revealed that both he and Difference were members of the first Assembly and served together in the second Assembly, with Difference as the Speaker and himself later as the acting Speaker. He described Difference as a great parliamentarian who worked towards the unity of all departments within the Faculty of Life Sciences.
Comr. Ubeki Ogaga Michael, representing Rt. Hon. Prince Osawemwenhio Uwagboe, delivered a speech on curbing the ills and menace of legislation in the 21st century. He emphasized that the future of legislation lies in the hands of the youths, stating, “The decisions we make today will shape the society we live in tomorrow. It is therefore imperative that we understand the vital role young people play in fostering effective governance and curbing the negative aspects that hinder progress.” Michael proposed a three-pronged approach of Education, Engagement, and Empowerment to tackle legislative challenges among youths.
Hon. Stewart Osazuwa, a member of the Nigerian Youth Parliament representing Edo-South constituency and a graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture in 2019, spoke on the topic of ‘Legislative Politics and Entrepreneurship.’ He emphasized the importance of understanding the workings of both politics and business before venturing into them. Osazuwa highlighted the significance of risk-taking and mentorship in political growth, stating, “If you must grow in Politics, you must develop the habit of risk-taking.” He shared his own journey and concluded by saying, “While we sojourn through the pathway of the journey of life, take note of the fact that you must take risks, while a mentor is guiding you.”
The event also included an interactive networking session where dignitaries exchanged pleasantries and contacts. In the subsequent awards session, Hon. Daniel Uwadia received an award of excellence, presented by Rt. Hon. Oluwatimilehin, the Principal Officers of the NALSS 13th Assembly, and Comr. Ebere Odueze.
A quiz session, anchored by the UNIBEN Debate Society, showcased participants’ knowledge of the parliamentary system in Nigeria. The quiz competition featured representatives from nine different faculties: Life Sciences, Arts, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Law, Physical Sciences, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, and Medicine. In a tightly contested competition, the representative from the Faculty of Medicine emerged victorious, answering all the questions correctly.
In a subsequent awards session, Hon. Stewart Osazuwa was presented with an award of excellence by Rt. Hon. Salami and Hon. Daniel Uadia. Awards of excellence were also presented to all Principal Officers of the NALSS 13th Assembly, as well as the Speaker of the NALSS 4th Assembly and NALSS 12th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ojobor Anslem. Each departmental constituency was also recognized with an award of excellence, with the Department of Biochemistry receiving extra recognition for their exceptional political activeness in the Faculty of Life Sciences. Finally, the Executive governor of the National Association of Life Sciences Students, Comr. Possible K. Eberechi, was bestowed an award of excellence, for his contributions and service to the Faculty of Life Sciences.
The National Association of Life Sciences Students’ Parliamentary Summit and Memorial for late Rt. Hon. Eghosa Irabor Difference successfully brought together youth engagement and legislative politics, emphasizing the crucial role of young people in shaping effective governance and fostering positive change.
The summit concluded with a closing remark from Hon. Marvelous Stephen, Chairman of the Planning committee, leaving attendees to anticipate the second edition of the event.
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