By Esther Akaa, Lafia
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed the first reading of a bill seeking to establish the Nasarawa State Youth Development Commission aimed at implementing a sustainable youth policy.
The bill, which was first introduced during the 6th Assembly, was revived after an advocacy visit by ActionAid Nigeria and the Nasarawa Youth Advocacy Cluster to the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi (APC Toto/Gadabuke Constituency).
During Wednesday’s plenary in Lafia, Hon. Isimbabi presented the reviewed bill, emphasizing that it would create job opportunities for youths and attract donor agencies to invest in youth empowerment.
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The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, committed the bill for further consideration, with the second reading scheduled for October 14, 2024.
ActionAid Nigeria, through its Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE 3) project, expressed support for the bill.
Mr. Aliyu Adamu, the program coordinator, praised the Assembly for reviving the bill, noting its potential to address youth restiveness and unemployment in the state. He emphasized the importance of creating a legal framework to empower youths and prevent violent extremism.
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Musa Danka, spokesperson for the Nasarawa Youth Advocacy Cluster, echoed similar sentiments, calling for the bill’s swift passage and commending the Assembly for taking steps to support the state’s youth.
The bill had previously reached the public hearing stage during the 6th Assembly but was not passed. The revival of the bill comes with strong backing from ActionAid and other stakeholders committed to youth empowerment in Nasarawa State.
