On Monday, 4 December 2023, PLAC 2023 Legislative Interns were warmly received by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, the Deputy Head of the Delegation, Zissimos Vergos and and EU Programme Manager (Democracy, Rule of Law and Gender), Laolu Olawunmi, at a courtesy visit to the EU Office in Abuja.
In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Isopi noted that inclusion and participation of youths in the democratic process is part of the core mandate of the EU. She encouraged interns to continue to engage the process and amplify the knowledge and experience gained among their peers, families and communities.
The Ambassador described the PLAC Legislative Internship Programme as a worthy partnership that avails young persons the opportunity to gain knowledge of the processes and practices of the legislature, which is the hallmark of democracy. She charged the interns to be resilient in their aspiration to become future leaders. She also pledged the continued support of the EU for gender and youth inclusion to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. In addition, she expressed confidence in the ability of inclusion to enhance governance and propel development in Nigeria, particularly as it relates to the political participation of women.
In response, Nkiru Uzodi, PLAC Programme Manager, Legislative/Gender Issues, expressed appreciation to the EU for supporting the Programme and hosting the Interns, while noting that the Programme has continued to produce impactful results since its inception.
The Interns shared their experiences in the Legislative Internship Programme, as well as future aspirations.
It was also an opportunity for Interns to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. They were dressed in T-shirts inscribed with the theme of this year’s commemoration, “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girl.”