By George Ozalla
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, has challenged young Nigerians to take a more active role in promoting democratic governance, accountability and national development, saying the country’s democratic future rests on an informed, responsible and engaged youth population.
He gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Legislative Internship Programme, where participants staged a Model Legislative Assembly Session to demonstrate the knowledge and practical experience acquired during the internship.
Represented by Dr. Ali B. Umoru, Ogunlana congratulated the interns on successfully completing the rigorous programme, describing the initiative as a vital platform for grooming future legislators, parliamentary professionals, policy experts and public leaders.
He explained that the internship had afforded participants a rare opportunity to gain practical exposure to the workings of the National Assembly, equipping them with firsthand knowledge of legislative drafting, committee operations, lawmaking, oversight responsibilities, parliamentary research and constituency representation.
The Clerk stressed that such practical learning experiences are essential to strengthening democratic institutions, noting that the programme bridges the gap between academic learning and the realities of legislative practice.
He further commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre for its sustained investment in democratic development through youth-focused capacity building, adding that the organisation has continued to nurture a new generation of Nigerians committed to good governance and public service.
Ogunlana also acknowledged the contributions of the leadership of the National Assembly, legislative staff, mentors, facilitators and development partners whose support, he said, has ensured the continued success of the internship programme over the years.
Addressing the graduating interns, he urged them not to regard the completion of the programme as the end of their learning journey but as the beginning of greater responsibilities in nation-building. He encouraged them to uphold the values of integrity, transparency, professionalism and accountability wherever they find themselves.
The National Assembly Clerk further challenged the participants to remain intellectually curious, strengthen the networks established during the programme and continue building the skills required to make meaningful contributions to governance and public policy.
He stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens, particularly young people, are well informed, actively involved in public affairs and committed to the rule of law, adding that the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on such a generation.
Ogunlana also urged the interns to approach the Model Legislative Assembly Session with dedication and a sense of purpose, noting that the exercise was designed to sharpen their debating, negotiation and consensus-building skills while preparing them for leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
Expressing optimism about their future, he said the knowledge and experience gained during the internship would position many of the participants to return to the National Assembly and other public institutions as legislators, parliamentary officers, policy advisers and leaders committed to advancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
