Congratulatory Message
Office of the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Youth Matters

The lifelong argument that great leaders are not born but are made cement the entire experience working with you during your tenure as the Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives. Your parliamentary skills and unfeigned leadership have become pivotal in the Nigerian National Assembly. It is with great honour and admiration that I write this message of felicitation, having worked with you closely in reaching the youths of this nation at the constituency and national levels. These landmark achievements are innumerable, but I will highlight three that have had an enduring impact on the lives of young people. Never in Nigeria’s history have we had a Speaker of the House of Representatives whose desire to engage and improve the lives of young people in tangible form is visible like yours. You accorded youths the respect they deserve by honouring their day and finding novel ways for their voices to be heard. Their rapport with you opened the convergence of trust they now have where young people can listen to the leadership of this country.
You never distanced yourself from young people but found terrific ways to bring inclusion, equity and fairness to the diverse needs of Nigerian youths. Creating various opportunities for enabled young people to also meet you, not in an exalted position as the Honourable Speaker, but as a father and a leader-one who listens to the plights of youths, with sights on leveraging your position to influence laws and policies that has benefitted Nigerian youths in the 9th National Assembly.

Working with you on various projects revealed your passion and commitment to Nigerian youths, particularly from the perspective of the leadership of the National Assembly and personal values regarding young people. I salute your expertise, visionary leadership and significant accomplishments over these years. As you take up more national responsibilities, I pray that you continue to be in sound health in your body and mind for Nigeria and the youths of this country.

Ibrahim Alli-Balogun (SA to the Hon. Speaker on Youth Matters)

Gbaja is a good Loyal Son of the Soil.