Day1: Highlights from the PLAC 2026 Legislative Interns Orientation Workshop

In a significant effort to boost civic education, legislative accountability, and meaningful youth inclusion in policy-making, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with the support of the European Union (EU), officially kicked off its flagship Legislative Internship Programme for 2026 cohort.

The intensive Orientation Workshop, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together a dynamic cohort of brilliant young minds from across Nigeria, preparing them for an immersive and transformative experience within the chambers, committees, and directorates of Nigeria’s National Assembly.

The orientation workshop successfully bridged the gap between theoretical governance and practical legislative administration. Throughout the workshop, the interns engaged directly with high-ranking lawmakers, seasoned constitutional experts, and principal institutional heads, establishing a solid foundational framework for their upcoming assignments.

The workshop opened with charge, encouragement, and firm institutional backing. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, formally welcomed the interns, urging them to maximize this rare opportunity.

Goodwill remarks were delivered by Laolu Olawumi, Programme Manager for Democracy and Rule of Law at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, who reaffirmed the EU’s sustained commitments to reinforcing democratic infrastructure through vibrant youth activities. Goodwill remarks were delivered by Vivian Njemanze, Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly on behalf of Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).

The core educational tracks of Day 1 provided unmatched insights from legislative veterans:

Inclusive Representation & Responsive Governance: Senator Ireti Kingibe (Senator Representing FCT & Chair, Senate Committee on Women Affairs) led a vital, interactive session on driving inclusive representation, emphasizing the crucial need to advance women and youth-focused policies in running national affairs.
Lessons for Emerging Leaders: Former Governor of Abia State and current Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, shared practical life lessons on resilience, governance, and public service.
Inside Plenary Dynamics: Dr. Rahila Ahmadu, Legislative Expert and Former Director of the National Secretariat of Nigerian Legislatures, deconstructed the operational technicalities of how motions, debates, and resolutions actively shape legislative actions.