The Senate Committee Chairman on Youth Development, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu (APC-Ekiti), has reaffirmed the senate’s commitment to ensuring a better future for Nigerian youths.
Adaramodu made this known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.
The lawmaker, who is also the Senate spokesperson and Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, highlighted the various legislative efforts aimed at empowering young Nigerians.
According to him, approximately 60 per cent of the country’s population are made up of youths.
“As Chairman of the Committee on Youth Development, over the past two years, we have introduced about four significant bills—some of which have already been signed into law, while others are at various stages of legislative process,” he said.
He highlighted the youth-focused bills to include: Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund.
“We expedited the passage of the education loan bill upon resumption. The NYSC Trust Fund bill has also passed the concurrence stage in the House of Representatives and is now awaiting the president’s assent,” he stated.
Adaramodu also said that the Nigerian Youth Council bill was currently at the second reading stage in the upper legislative chamber.
He emphasised the importance of sustained legislative action to support youth development in the country.
“In addition, we inaugurated the Youth Parliament a few months ago. This initiative allows young Nigerians to do internship at the National Assembly where they can gain first-hand experience in lawmaking, governance and leadership,” he said.
Adaramodu said that the youth interns would soon be deployed in various senate committees to understudy the lawmakers and understand the intricacies of legislative work and public service.
“The 10th Senate has taken concrete steps—not just symbolic gestures—to ensure that youth-focused legislations are prioritised,” he stated.
The lawmaker said that there were plans to hold a National Youth Dialogue later in the year.
“This youth dialogue, an initiative of the national assembly, supported by Mr President, will serve as a platform for young Nigerians to voice their concerns and ideas.
“Outcomes from the dialogue will be presented to the senate for consideration and potential legislation,” he said.
Adaramodu reiterated the senate’s resolve to empower Nigerian youths and ensure that they have access to opportunities that would enable them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development. (NAN)
