The Speaker of the house of Representatives Mr Femi Gbajabiamila says many young Nigerians have lost hope in the system and are leaving the country in droves to seek their fortunes in other lands.
Mr Gbajabiamila made the remark during the valedictory session of the 9th house at National Assembly.
To stop this trend, he said, a healthy vigorous growing economy that would provide opportunities for all who work hard to succeed through their labour and ingenuity.
The speaker observed that adequate security must also be provided to protect the lives and property of the people.
“We are loosing some of our best and brightest, and if we don’t act now the consequences of this loss would become evident. How do we ensure a healthy, vigorous growing economy that provides opportunity for all who work hard to succeed through their labour and ingenuity.
” How do we protect our people from the marauders and insurgents. The petty criminals and assorted villains who wished to harm them, wether for profit or in service of other agendas. How do we restore faith in our young people so that so many of them no longer feel that the only way out for them to achieve their aspirations is to chase their fortunes in faraway often hostile lands.
Mr Gbajabiamila stated that the 9th house has left many legislative legacies which includes the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Nigeria Start-Up Act, the Electoral Act, the constitutional review process, financial independence for state houses of assembly and state judiciary, as well as successful interventions in labour disputes.
Others according to him are the January to December budget cycle, the Petroleum Industry Act and the Police Act amongst others.
He urged the incoming 10th house of Representatives to do their best in removing some of the constitutional barriers that have long stood in the way of women’s full and unhindered participation in the politics, governance and economy of the country.
The chairman house committee on basic education Professor Julius Ihonvbere, urged the speaker to use his new office as the Chief of staff to the president, in addressing some of the challenges facing the education sector
The valedictory session has in attendance former speakers, Ghali Umar-Na’abba, Patricia Eye as well as former clerks of the house.
COV/IBRAHIM SHEHU
