𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚'𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡: 𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

.........𝒂𝒔 𝑹𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝑲𝒂𝒍𝒖 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅

In the heart of Abuja, during the Arise Nigeria Youth Summit 2024, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, delivered a compelling keynote address that resonated deeply with the aspirations and challenges faced by African youth.

The summit, commemorating African Youth Day, was centered around the theme “The Future of Nigeria: Youth, Leadership, and National Development.”

Rt Hon Kalu's message emphasized the pivotal role that young people play in shaping the continent’s future, particularly in the context of Agenda 2063, the African Union's strategic blueprint aimed at fostering an inclusive, prosperous, and globally competitive Africa.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡

Rt Hon Kalu articulated a vision where Nigerian youths are not merely passive recipients of opportunities but active agents of change.

He described them as the “heartbeat of Africa’s progress,” highlighting their innate capacity for innovation, leadership, and resilience.

The Deputy Speaker’s assertion that “Africa’s future lies in your hands” serves as a clarion call for young people to embrace their roles as catalysts for change.

In a continent often beset by challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and inequality, the youth emerge as beacons of hope, armed with entrepreneurial spirit and digital innovations.

The emphasis on collaboration and boldness in the Deputy Speaker’s address is particularly poignant.

As he urged the youth to be “visionary and collaborative for the greater good,” it became clear that the journey towards a prosperous Africa is not a solitary endeavor.

The collective strength of young people, united in purpose, is essential for overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead.

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

The call to action extends beyond mere rhetoric; it underscores the urgent need for African nations, particularly Nigeria, to prioritize investments in education, entrepreneurship, and good governance.

Rt Hon Kalu’s remarks reflect a growing recognition that the success of Agenda 2063 hinges on how well countries harness the potential of their youth populations.

The Deputy Speaker’s advocacy for skill development, exemplified by his sponsorship of the Apprenticeship Scheme Bill, is a testament to the commitment to bridging skill gaps and empowering young Nigerians for sustainable careers.

The importance of education cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which the future of any nation is built.

By equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills, African nations can foster a generation capable of driving innovation and leadership.

The Deputy Speaker’s assertion that “the future is yours to build” serves as a reminder that the responsibility for shaping the continent’s destiny lies with the youth themselves.

𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

Hon. Martins Esin, the Chairman of the event, echoed Rt Hon Kalu’s sentiments by emphasizing the need to amplify the voices of Africa’s young people.

He urged the youth to harness their energy toward creating a stronger future for the continent.

In this collective endeavor, technology plays a crucial role. Esin’s call for young people to utilize technology positively underscores the potential for digital platforms to facilitate collaboration, idea-sharing, and community-building.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, further reinforced this message by affirming the government’s commitment to empowering youth.

Represented by Ambassador Akoshile Muktar, Olawande highlighted the administration’s dedication to creating pathways for young people not just to participate but to lead.

This commitment is vital in ensuring that youth are not sidelined in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and futures.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥

Joy Akut, the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker on Youth and Women Affairs, painted a vivid picture of the untapped potential that Nigerian youth represent.

With over 60% of Nigeria’s population comprising young people, the significance of their contributions to various sectors cannot be overstated.

Akut’s metaphor of a “gold mine” aptly encapsulates the idea that while the talent and ambition of youth are abundant, they require nurturing and investment to be fully realized.

The summit also served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of young innovators and leaders who are transforming industries and driving social change.

The energy, creativity, and determination exhibited by these individuals are testaments to the potential that lies within the youth of Africa.

As Kalu Simon aptly noted, “Though Nigeria is often celebrated for its abundant natural resources, I believe our greatest resource is our people.”

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the summit: that the true wealth of a nation lies in its youth.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

As the Arise Nigeria Youth Summit 2024 concluded, the messages delivered by Rt Hon Kalu, Esin, Olawande, and Akut resonated with a shared vision for the future of Africa.

The path towards realizing Agenda 2063 is fraught with challenges, yet it is illuminated by the promise of a generation poised to lead.

The call for boldness, collaboration, and investment in youth serves as a roadmap for African nations to cultivate an environment where young people can thrive.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the youth of Africa have the potential to not only transform their own nations but also to contribute to a unified and prosperous continent.

As they rise to the occasion, it is imperative that they embrace their roles as leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

The future of Africa is indeed in their hands, and together, they can shape a brighter tomorrow.

𝓘𝔂𝓴𝓮 𝓜𝓫𝓪

𝙎.𝙇.𝘼 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙃.𝙊.𝙍

Posts

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨 𝐀 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐟 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬

October 24, 2024

...........𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚'𝒔 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒔 Earlier this week, the corridors of power in Abuja reverberated with the hopeful aspirations of a group dedicated to the preservation of Nigeria's rich linguistic heritage. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, welcomed the Governing Board of the Nigerian Institute of Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), led by the esteemed Professor Victor Ukaogo. This courtesy visit was more than a mere formality; it was a pivotal moment in the journey towards recognizing and enhancing the importance of indigenous languages in a rapidly globalizing world. As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the primary focus of the meeting was the proposed bill aimed at upgrading NINLAN into the University of Nigerian Languages, a transformative step that promises to reshape the educati

𝐑𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐮'𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐬

October 21, 2024

........... 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒕 𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 Last week, the House of Representatives presented a total of 81 bills, covering a wide range of topics. Out of these, one bill stood out and stole the spotlight – the Fiscal Responsibility Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024, presented by the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Member representing Bende Federal Constituency. The Bill, also known as HBs 1478, 71, 873 and 109, aims to repeal and enact the Fiscal Responsibility Act, as well as amend it for better effectiveness. With its comprehensive approach and focus on addressing loopholes in the existing framework, this bill has emerged as the STAR bill among the 81 presented. The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) was first enacted in 2007 with the objective of promoting prudent and transparent management of the nation's resources, ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability and sust

𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥-𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

October 19, 2024

........... 𝒂𝒔 𝑹𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒏 𝑩𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝑲𝒂𝒍𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒊 𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒕 In the heart of Geneva, the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly recently convened, bringing together global leaders and lawmakers to discuss pressing international issues. Among them was Nigeria's Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, who stood firm in his commitment to resolving one of the most enduring conflicts of our time: the Israel-Palestine conflict. His words resonated with a clarion call for justice, self-determination, and mutual respect—principles that underpin the aspirations of both nations. Rt Hon Kalu's address was not merely a reiteration of Nigeria's longstanding position; it was a profound acknowledgment of the unique role that parliamentary diplomacy can play in fostering dialogue and understanding. In a world where conflict

𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐑𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐮

October 18, 2024

............ 𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒊 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒘 𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 In the grand tapestry of global politics, few threads shine as brightly as that of Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria. His remarkable journey from the local halls of Bende Federal Constituency to the prestigious podium of the World Parliament stands as a testament to the power of dedication, excellence, and cultural pride. This narrative not only celebrates his achievements but also reflects the potential of African leadership on the global stage. Benjamin Kalu's ascent through the ranks of legislative bodies is nothing short of extraordinary. Having represented Nigeria in the ECOWAS Sub-regional Parliament and the African Union Regional Parliament, he has