As a way of improving the skills of National Assembly Aides, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has organized a 3- days Capacity Building Workshop for 300 Legislative Aides in the National Assembly, who were nominated by their principals, at the NILDS Permanent Site, No. 2 Abubakar O. Sulaiman Avenue , Piwoyi District, Off Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway, Airport road, Abuja.
The Chairman of NASSLAF, Barr. Emeka Nwala, made available, bus which conveyed National Assembly Aides from Senate building down to the venue of the high powered program free of charge.
Accreditation and registration of participants began by 9 AM. After registration and name verification, the participants were given jotter, pen, brochure of the events and other writing materials. The Director General of NILDS gave the opening remarks.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Institute, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, stated that the essence of the workshop is to position Legislative Aides for effective service delivery to their principals and National Assembly in general. He also stated that for optimum results, the workshop is split into batches, and that those not captured in the first batch would be accommodated in subsequent batches.
The representative of the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), the Secretary of Procurement and Supply, Engr Baba Sanda Liman, and the Secretary Human Resouces and Staff Development, Barr. Shauibu Birma while making their remarks stressed the importance of the workshop, and commended the Institute for organising such an important workshop.
Representing the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Chief Francis Atanomeyovwi, JP, who is the Commissioner representing the South South Zone at the Commission also commended the Institute for the workshop, and promised that the Commission would ensure payment of all Aides’ entitlements.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF), Barr. Emeka Nwala commended the Institute for their consistency in the training of legislative aides. The Chairman suggested the inclusion of laptops as workshop materials for aides. He also used the opportunity to press for aides’ welfare, promising total peace in the National Assembly.
After the opening ceremony, the leadership of NILDS, invited guests and all the participants took a group photograph at the entrance of the building. This marked the end of the opening ceremony. The technical session started in real time, the Aides were split into group A and B. The Legislative Aides were in group A facilitated by Dr. Emily while Senior Legislative Aides were in Group B, facilitated by Dr. Terfa Gahabo.
In the technical session, group A section were taught, 1. Public Service in Nigeria, with Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, UniAbuja as the resource person. 2. Structure and Operations of the National Assembly anchored by Dr. Chris Ngara, SRF, NILDS, and 3. Understanding Committee Systems in the National Assembly, taught by Prof. Shola Omotola, NILDS consultant. Group B meant for Senior Legislative Aides, they were taught, 1. Role of Development Partners and CSOs in Legislative Governance, with Dr. Francis Ojie, as the resource person. 2. Understanding Rulemaking and Enforcement Powers of Administrative Agencies powered by Dr. Sam Amadi, Baze University and finally 3. Drafting Motions and Resolutions by Dr. Ibrahim Usman.
The Aides were served breakfast and lunch with sumptuous meals.
The three-day event will continue today, April 16, and end on April 17, 2024. Barr. Nwala has promised the provision of a fully Air conditioned NASSLAF bus at the front of the Senate to convey participants to the venue through and fro.
Emmanuel Odoemelam, Abuja.
