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Torkwase Nyiekaa
Nigeria’s dynamism, creativity, and youthful energy mirror the continent’s most promising future, according to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu made this known on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of emerging African leaders from the Torchbearers of Liberty Fellowship, who paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker referenced a United Nations report indicating that by 2030, one in every three new entrants into the global workforce will be African. He said such a projection underscores the importance of strategic legislation and forward-looking policies to channel Africa’s demographic advantage into sustainable development.
Kalu highlighted initiatives such as the $600 million iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises) partnership with the African Development Bank, designed to empower young Nigerians in innovation, technology, and the creative economy.
He emphasized that the 10th House of Representatives is committed to enacting laws that anticipate the future, a future where youth potential meets opportunity, and legislation becomes a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
Addressing the visiting fellows, Kalu encouraged them to embrace cross-border collaboration and foster ideas that connect innovation with sustainability, policy with justice, and opportunity with equity.
He said:
“It is my honour and privilege to welcome you, brilliant young leaders from across the world, to the People’s House, the 10th House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your presence here is a reminder that leadership is not about age, but about vision, courage, and the will to act for a better tomorrow.
I commend the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation for sustaining the legacy of a man whose name remains synonymous with democracy, justice, and selfless service. Through programmes like this, the Foundation continues to nurture the next generation of African leaders.”
Speaking further, the Deputy Speaker described the young leaders as “bridge-builders” who connect what is with what ought to be. He said the Torchbearers Fellowship is not merely an exchange programme but a vital dialogue on Africa’s shared destiny.
On Nigeria’s position in shaping the continent’s future, Kalu said:
“Our nation of over 220 million people represents Africa’s boundless promise. To realize this potential, we are legislating with foresight, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and inclusion. The House of Representatives is ensuring that governance serves the people, not just economic statistics.”
As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu noted that his office is leading inclusive constitutional reform processes to ensure that Nigeria’s supreme law mirrors the aspirations of its diverse people.
He disclosed that nationwide dialogues and public hearings are underway, engaging traditional rulers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities to shape a people-driven constitution that strengthens democracy, gender balance, and local governance.
Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Director-General of the Torchbearers of Liberty Fellowship, Amara Nwankpa, explained that the programme, jointly organized by the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation and Students for Liberty (SFL), aims to cultivate Pan-African leadership. He added that the visit provided participants with the opportunity to learn from Kalu’s public service journey, understand Nigeria’s legislative processes, and deepen their appreciation of governance and leadership.
