By Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed into second reading a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of the Nasarawa State Youth Development Commission, the implementation of sustainable youth policies, and other matters connected therewith.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the bill is sponsored by the member representing Toto/Gadabuke constituency and Chairman House Committee on Youth and Sports, Hon. Muhammed Garba Isimbabi.
Speaking on reasons why the bill should be read for the second time, the sponsor of the bill, Hon. Isimbabi, said if passed into law, it would prevent youth marginalization and enable their voices to be heard.
He said, “The Youth Development Commission will prevent social exclusion and promote equality and inclusivity. It will also help the state benefit in line with global and national youth development goals. This will include the United Nations SDGs, particularly those related to education (SDGs 4), decent work (SDGs 8), and reducing inequality (10).
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“It will also improve national youth policies and help the state to key into the national youth policies to enable the youth policies to be integrated with the national youth policies, strategies, and facilitation of national progress.
“The bill passed into law will help the government to know exact data of youths, out-of-school children, as well as unemployed graduates. It will measure the impact of youth programs for continuous improvement and be accountable.
“It will create a circle of empowerment in youth development and also strengthen partnerships across sectors, bringing participation between non-governmental organizations, the private sector, stakeholders, international organizations, and educational institutions.
He therefore called on members of the House of Assembly to support the bill, as according to him, it will help in creating jobs and economic development opportunities, among others.
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In their separate contributions, Hon. Suleiman Azara, Hon. Musa Ibrahim, Hon. Solomon AKwashiki, Hon. Chum Yusuf, Hon. Esson Mairiga, Hon. Hudu Hudu, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad, and Hon. Ajegina Kudu all said that the bill, if allowed to scale through, would reduce social vices and make youths more productive.
The lawmakers unanimously agreed to support the bill, see the light of day, and it was passed for second reading.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, committed the bill to the House Committee on Youth and Sports to be chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana, and report back on November 18, 2024.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the support for the bill was provided by ActionAid Nigeria through its Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE 3) project.
The program coordinator, Mr. Aliyu Adamu, commended the Assembly for advancing the bill to its second reading, pointing out that it will help with the state to address unemployment and young unrest if finally passed into law.
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He emphasized how crucial it is to establish a legal framework in order to empower young people and prevent violent extremism.
During the 6th Assembly, the bill had already advanced to the public hearing stage but was not approved.
ActionAid and other stakeholders dedicated to youth empowerment are advocating for the speedy passage of the bill.