Three Young LeadersRepresenting Taraba At The 6th Nigerian Youth

The 6th session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) has officially commenced with the inauguration of three representatives from Taraba State. 

Nelson Wilson will represent the Taraba North Senatorial District, Hon. Mercy Barnabas will serve as the representative for Taraba Central, and Jeremiah Josiah Sabo Kente will represent Taraba South. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Senate Wing (Hallowed Chamber) of the National Assembly in Abuja.

Their selection followed nominations by the Taraba State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Development, underscoring the importance of youth representation across the state's three senatorial districts.

The Nigerian Youth Parliament serves as a legislative and developmental training institution aimed at empowering young people through active participation in governance. Established in 2008 under the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua, the NYP mirrors the Nigerian Senate, with 109 members representing each senatorial district in the country. The initiative aligns with global best practices for youth engagement in leadership, as championed by the United Nations.

At the inauguration, the Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, charged the newly inducted parliamentarians to be exemplary ambassadors for young people in their respective states and constituencies. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to discovering and nurturing youth leadership potential for national development.

Olawande also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu'sdedication to youth inclusion, stating that the administration has not only fulfilled its promise of a 30% youth inclusion rate but has even surpassed expectations.

Addressing the 109 newly inaugurated youth parliamentarians, the Minister urged them to leverage this opportunity to create meaningful impact, advocate for youth interests, and actively engage with youth organizations within their constituencies. He expressed high expectations for their two-year tenure, emphasizing the critical role they will play in shaping policies that affect young Nigerians.

The Nigerian Youth Parliament remains a flagship program of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, fostering youth participation in governance and leadership at all levels.