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Speaker Abbas Pledges Youth Empowerment at Townhall Meeting

Katsina City News
31 Jul, 2024
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Abuja, July 31, 2024 — In a significant townhall meeting held at the House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen addressed pressing concerns raised by Nigerian youth. The Speaker emphasized the government's commitment to improving the quality of life by tackling hunger, reducing the cost of living, enhancing the minimum wage, and fostering human capital development.

Tajudeen highlighted recent initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including a N683 billion intervention for public tertiary institutions, the establishment of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and a N125 billion fund for MSMEs. He also noted the recent signing of a new minimum wage bill, setting the national minimum at N70,000.

The 10th Assembly has outlined a legislative agenda focusing on economic revitalization, social justice, governance reforms, and national security. Tajudeen assured that the voices of the youth are being heard and addressed through various legislative measures, including the creation of standing committees on Youth Development and Youths in Parliament.

The Speaker also underscored the government's dedication to advancing the rights of women and people with disabilities through the re-introduction of the Gender Equal Opportunities Bill and the implementation of the Disability (Prohibition) Act. The Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), launched in 2022, continues to prepare youths for leadership roles.

In addressing economic hardships, Tajudeen mentioned the removal of the fuel subsidy and various government intervention schemes aimed at providing economic relief. Efforts to combat insecurity and improve governance were also discussed, with recent initiatives showing positive results.

Tajudeen called on Nigerian youth to engage constructively in nation-building, highlighting successes in the ICT and Fintech sectors as examples of their potential. He urged the youth to actively participate in the democratic process and assured them that their concerns would be taken to President Tinubu.

“We must work together on a sustained, step-by-step basis to address our challenges and achieve the Nigeria we all aspire to see,” Tajudeen concluded. “Your voice matters, and we are listening.”