House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has emphasized the necessity of actively preparing Nigerian youths for leadership, arguing they should be viewed as current contributors to the nation’s progress rather than passive future placeholders. Represented by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Speaker Abbas introduced the Leadership for Equity, Advocacy and Development (LEAD) Fellowship, created by the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) at the National Assembly.
The Speaker stressed that effective public service requires specialized training in ethics, institutional operations, and leadership. He noted that the LEAD Fellowship serves as a vital investment in the country’s democratic future, targeting tertiary students to help them influence policy today. Furthermore, he addressed the push for constitutional amendments that would reserve seats for women in legislatures, clarifying that this strategy aims to eliminate structural obstacles rather than reduce leadership qualifications.
GMI Executive Lead Omowumi Ogunrotimi explained that the 18-month program will train 1,000 student leaders across 10 institutions. This curriculum focuses on ethical governance and is supported by partnerships with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement. House Spokesman Akin Rotimi added that the initiative encourages youth to value character and competence over the pursuit of political titles. Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman of NILDS concluded that such training is crucial to prevent a future characterized by weak accountability and to foster a generation committed to democratic resilience.
