Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Youth Parliament has inaugurated its second session with an induction workshop designed to prepare young representatives across the state for purposeful leadership, governance, and public service.
The workshop, held on Saturday and Sunday at Yankari Game Reserve, attracted top government officials, development partners, traditional leaders, and stakeholders who all underscored the importance of engaging youths as active participants in governance rather than passive observers.
In his welcome address, Speaker of the Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Mohammad Idris Musa, described the gathering as a defining moment in the journey of Bauchi youths toward effective leadership. He said “Youth Parliament is not just an assembly of young voices but a training ground for future legislators, policymakers, and public servants”.
Musa commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for establishing the platform, noting that governance is not only about building physical infrastructure but also about investing in the dreams of young people who will carry the state into the future. He also expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, whose presence, he said, symbolizes the strong bridge between today’s leaders and the leaders of tomorrow.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Adamu Babayo Gabarin, declared the workshop open, describing the Youth Parliament as a strategic investment in leadership development, civic responsibility, and social innovation.
According to him, the induction was not merely a training exercise but a rite of passage, marking the transition of young parliamentarians from ambition to responsibility, and from potential to performance.
He charged the members to see themselves as torchbearers of unity and progress, urging them to champion policies that promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, innovation, and civic engagement. He also reminded them that history has its eyes on their generation, and how they use the opportunity would echo beyond Bauchi and even Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, congratulated the newly elected members of the parliament and described their emergence as a pivotal moment in the quest for inclusive governance, vibrant youth leadership, and meaningful public service.
Dr. Sulaiman noted that the induction theme, “Equipping Bauchi State Youth Parliamentarians for Leadership Impact”, was apt, as enduring leadership must be informed, principled, and purpose-driven. He stressed that the Youth Parliament exists to complement and reinforce the democratic fabric of the state by representing a generation full of energy, creativity, and constructive impatience for change.
The Assembly Speaker urged the parliamentarians to listen to their constituents, challenge the status quo with evidence-based ideas, and foster accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness in their proceedings. He added that leadership is less about titles and more about influence rooted in trust and service.
On behalf of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Dr. Sulaiman assured the Youth Parliament of mentorship and cooperation, promising that the Assembly would consider and legislate on issues they may present in the interest of Bauchi’s development.
All speakers at the event emphasized that the induction workshop is not only about ceremonial entry into office but about instilling discipline, building character, and equipping young people with the ethics and practical knowledge required to make a lasting impact.
The Bauchi State Youth Parliament, which was initiated under the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed, has been hailed as one of the state’s most innovative steps in grooming the next generation of leaders.