CNA Hails PLAC for Grooming Future Legislators, Strengthening Nigeria’s Democrac

CNA Hails PLAC for Grooming Future Legislators, Strengthening Nigeria’s Democrac

By Gabriel Kekong

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, has commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) for its sustained investment in developing future legislative professionals, describing its Legislative Internship Programme as one of Nigeria’s leading initiatives for nurturing democratic governance and parliamentary excellence.

Represented by Dr. Ali B. Umoru at the Model Legislative Assembly Session marking the conclusion of the 2026 PLAC Legislative Internship Programme, Ogunlana congratulated the interns on successfully completing the intensive programme and urged them to uphold the values of democracy, integrity, accountability, and public service.

He noted that the internship provided participants with invaluable practical exposure to the operations of the National Assembly, enabling them to move beyond classroom theory into hands-on legislative practice.

According to him, the interns gained first-hand experience in lawmaking, legislative drafting, committee proceedings, oversight functions, research, representation, and other key parliamentary processes, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.

“The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre Legislative Internship Programme has distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s foremost initiatives for preparing young Nigerians for careers in legislative practice, public policy, governance and democratic leadership,” Ogunlana said.

The Clerk praised PLAC for its unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions through capacity building and for investing in young Nigerians who have the potential to become future legislators, policy experts, and public leaders.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the leadership and members of the National Assembly, legislative management and staff, mentors, facilitators, and development partners whose collective efforts ensured the success of the programme.

Addressing the graduating interns, Ogunlana urged them to regard the completion of the internship not as the end of their learning journey but as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to excellence, ethical leadership, accountability, and national service.

He encouraged them to maintain the professional relationships built during the programme while continuing to expand their knowledge and leadership capacity.

“The future of our democracy depends significantly on young people who are informed, engaged, innovative, and committed to the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” he stated.

The Clerk further urged the interns to approach the Model Legislative Assembly Session with seriousness and responsibility, noting that the exercise would assess not only their understanding of legislative procedures but also their ability to engage in constructive debate, build consensus, and work collaboratively in the national interest.

Expressing confidence in the graduating class, Ogunlana said the knowledge, experience, and networks gained during the internship would prepare them for greater responsibilities in public service.

He expressed optimism that many of the participants would, in the future, return to the National Assembly as distinguished legislators, parliamentary officers, policy experts, and leaders committed to deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promoting good governance.