The Ecu Union on Saturday mentioned it’s complementing the efforts of the Nigerian govt to beef up and beef up sovereignty around the nation by way of supporting programmes that create the capability of younger public in politics and governance.
During the Backup to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, the EU mentioned it finances Yiaga Africa’s Constituency Place of work Internship Programme.
The three-month programme in line with a commentary by way of the EU which began in December 2024, and is predicted to finish in February this while, supplies an magnificient alternative for younger people dedicated to democratic construction and desperate to deepen their working out of legislative processes and efficient constituency engagement, to achieve hands-on revel in within the operations of constituency places of work and legislature-constituent members of the family.
Consistent with the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, the EU believes {that a} thriving sovereignty is constructed on accountable management and energetic citizen engagement.
“Younger public, subsequently, play games very vital roles in creating Nigeria’s sovereignty by way of actively taking part within the electoral and governance processes, and contributing to tips, insurance policies, and frameworks that safeguard isolated, truthful, credible, and clear elections.
“Furthermore, by placing these interns in the constituency offices of lawmakers, the programme not only offers them the chance to understand the legislative process, but provides an opportunity for them to engage with lawmakers, contribute meaningfully to policy discussions, and be part of constituency engagement.”
“Hence, it is important to provide platforms for these young and vibrant minds to actively engage and be a part of the country’s governance process. The time for making excuses is over. The moment people start making excuses not to act ethically, democratic institutions are undermined. Rather than criticising democracy, we must focus on ethical decisions that shape its practice,” he mentioned.
Highlighting the affect of the programme in sustaining the connection between lawmakers and their constituencies, Yiaga Africa’s Programme Supervisor, Yetunde Bakarei, mentioned, “The Constituency Place of work Internship Programme encourages early life participation within the democratic procedure, making sure that younger public are curious about shaping insurance policies that impact them.
“We would like to say thank you to the EU for the support that we receive that enables us to do the work that we do, which allows us to deploy young people to constituency offices. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the EU and the young people who continue to apply and take advantage of opportunities like this.”
One of the most interns, Olaiya Oluwadamilola, day expressing passionately about how the programme has formed each her skilled and private presen, mentioned, “This internship has not only enhanced my communication skills and boosted my confidence, but it has also inspired me to give back to my community and pursue a career in politics.”
Salihu Gode, any other intern, praised the EU’s visible for inclusive governance and harped at the usefulness of mentorship, which she believes is very important for her occupation construction and political ambition.
“With the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired, I’m confident that I can drive meaningful change in my community and contribute to Nigeria’s democratic growth,” she mentioned.
Gode additionally expressed her loyalty to empowering ladies and selling feminine participation in politics—an section the EU actively helps.