The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said that youth are vital to deepening democracy in Nigeria.
Abbas said this on Monday in Abuja during the grand finale of the national quiz competition organized by the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for secondary school students in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Represented by Mark Useni, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education, the Speaker said youth development was a critical part of the legislative agenda of the 10th House under his leadership.
Abbas asked the questionnaire participants to absorb the lessons learned, saying that their commitment to democracy is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey.
“Whether they choose to become legislators, educators, business owners or activists, their understanding of how the legislature and democracy work will guide their decisions and actions, he said.
The essence of the competition, apart from winning prizes, the spokesperson said, is to expand participants' knowledge of Nigeria's democratic heritage and legislative processes.
Abbas praised the NILDS for organizing the quiz competition and said it helps promote students' understanding of democracy and civic governance.
Article page with DG NILDS Financial Support Promotion with one of the winners flanked by the representative of the Secretary of the National Assembly, Ali Umoru.
The spokesperson said the quiz initiative was “a testament to NILDS' commitment to legislative advancement, democratic education, youth empowerment and nation-building, and is something we should all celebrate and support”.
Why we organize the quiz – NILDS DG
In his remarks, the Director General of NILDS, Abubakar Sulaiman, said the competition was aimed at providing continuing education to students on the legislature, its history, practice and procedure.
Suleiman, a professor, explained that the questionnaire was aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of civic and democratic governance in the country.
He said the contest also aims to stimulate young students' interest in politics and make them more proactive in matters related to the legislature and democracy.
Democratic participation, Sulaiman said, is a “fundamental pillar of our governance system and must include children and youth.
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“One way to involve our children very early in their development is through civic education, which is an important and effective tool that facilitates the participation of citizens in democratic and development processes,” he said.
About the questionnaire
The quiz show, now in its ninth edition, begins in the six geopolitical zones followed by the convergence of the zonal winners in Abuja for the grand finale.
In this year's grand finale, which was hosted by broadcaster Cyril Stober as test master, Enitona High School, Port Harcourt, emerged champions.
The school, which represented the South-South zone, scored 70 points to emerge victorious, while Gifted School, Gwagwalada, FCT, which represented the North-Central zone, scored 65 points to come second.
Also, Bishop Otubelu Juniorate, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State, representing the South East zone, came third with 55 points.
The participants, two per zone, from the northwest, northeast and southwest were earlier eliminated from the first and second round respectively due to lack of qualifications.
Some of the participants in the quiz competition.
Participants received laptops and certificates of participation, while winners received scholarships and cash prizes.
Other dignitaries who attended the event included Sariki Dahiru, member of the NILDS governing council, Secretary of the National Assembly represented by Ali Umoru and Vice President Ben Kalu represented by Ginger Onwusibe, member of the Abia State House of Representatives, among others.