Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI)

The first Mentor Exchange (MentX) session was delivered in a panel by Rukayyat Ibrahim Iyayi, Regional Specialist, UNDP Regional Bereau of Africa, New York; Hon. Rukayyat Motinrayo Shittu, Chairman, Committee on Youth, Sports & Information, Kwara State House of Assembly; Ameen Abdul, President of African Youth Network of all Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Africa & Member, Governing Board, Nigerian Red Cross Society; and Sadiq Muritala Adewale, Research Assistant, National Assembly. The theme of the conversation was Volunteering & Service: Pathways to Public Service. The FITS were enjoined to put service before reward; for the reward of service is sure. #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

“Leadership means participation and support. We must infuse excellence into the Nigerian system, unlock our creativity and provide incentives for potentials in people to explode.” Dr. Sam Amadi The Fellows-In-Training went through “The Trajectory of Nigeria’s Constitution” in an engaging and thought provoking session with Dr. Sam Amadi, Director, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought. #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

“One practical solution to the menace of disunity as faced in our nation Nigeria is to build a sense of nationality in our children from kindergarten level. They must be made to understand that they are first Nigerians before Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba. This calls for a serious investment in our educational sector.” - Prof. Patrick Ukase We hit the ground running with a session on the Historical Development of Nigeria: The Journey from Country to Nationhood facilitated by Prof. Patrick Ukase, Secretary, Historical Society of Nigerian/Head of Department, History & International Studies, Kogi State University. #lmi2023 #gbajafellows #legislativementorshipinitiative

DAY 1 We kicked off our sessions with an Academic Orientation of the second Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship by our Director, Chimdi Neliaku, Esq. #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

The Opening Ceremony was attended by thought leaders from the public and private sectors, charging the Fellows-In-Training (FITs) through their speeches and goodwill messages to bask in and pay forward the words of our Founder, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, “Nation Building is a Joint Task”. Amongst the dignitaries were; Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman - Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Hon. Henry Nwawuba - Executive Secretary, National Assembly Library Trust Fund & Chairman, LMI Selection Panel Mrs. Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi - Mandate Secreatary, Woman Affairs Secretariat, FCT Dr. Marcus Wagner - Country Director, GIZ Dr. Ike Neliaku - President/Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) & Chairman, BoT, Leadership Advancement Foundation Amb. Jake Epelle - Founder/CEO, The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa Maraji Peran - Resident Representative, Konrad-Adenaur-Stiftung(KAS), represented by Lukas Laible - Deputy Country Director KAS Mr. ‘Dapo Oyewole - Chairman, LMI Planning and Advisory Committee Hon. Olise Abu, FLMI - Honorable Speaker, 1st LMI Parliament represented by Hon. Mirya Sabo, Majority Leader, 1st LMI Parliament #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

OPENING CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS “The purpose of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative is to identify and train public sector leaders who understand that the point of holding power is to get things done, who have the temperament and expertise to pull out the machineries of Government, and who use the instrument of power to achieve peace, drive progress and ensure prosperity for all.”  - Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR Welcome to the second Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship! #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

“Ability and competence are not enough to lift a nation and elevate a people, you will need vision and character.” “Who are you? Who do you want to be? What principles motivate your top priorities? What dreams inspire your every waking moment? These will speak to your vision and character and they are questions you alone must answer.”  - Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR Welcome to the second Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship! #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

LMI Opening Ceremony Recap #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

Meet the Fellows-In-Training Munawar Sirajo Sidi is a dynamic professional committed to community development and statistical excellence. From Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria, Munawar has navigated a remarkable journey, triumphing over deafness to become an influential advocate. He commenced his career as a distinguished educator at the School for Special Education Gusau. Munawar's adaptability and leadership acumen are evident in his roles at the Federal University Gusau, where he progressed from a non-academic position to a pivotal role in the Computer System at the Housing Unit. He is the former Chairman of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Zamfara State Chapter and the Personal Assistant to the Special Adviser on Students with Special Needs at the Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Munawar has demonstrated a profound commitment to advocacy and inclusivity. His profound skill set in data collection and communication, combined with a fervent dedication to humanitarian services, positions him as a valuable asset to global initiatives. #lmi2023 #gbajafellows

Meet the Fellows-In-Training Saleh Haruna Lawan #lmi2023 #gbajafellows