By Nse-Abasi Odiong
A bill for a law to implement a sustainable youth policy framework
through the establishment of Akwa Ibom Youth Development Fund has
passed through a second reading on the floor of the State House of
Assembly, Thursday.
The motion for the second reading of the bill was moved by one of the co-sponsors of the bill Hon. Prince Indongesit Ituen, member representing Itu State Constituency in the house. Prince Ituen applauded the lead sponsor of the bill, member representing Ini State Constituency and Chief Whip of the 6th Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, for coming up with such youth friendly bills as this bill seeks to establish a law allowing 10% oil derivation funds, grants and subventions from national and donor agencies to be set aside for the purpose of youth development and which fund shall be operated and managed as provided by this law.
The bill received the support of all law makers present at the plenary, as they took their turns and spoke glowingly in favour of the bill and also analyzed the importance of the bill to the youths.
While speaking to journalist after the plenary, Prince Ituen said, “I want to congratulate the young people of Akwa Ibom State because with this bill there is hope for them. After school, if they are not yet gainfully employed, they would have a place to seek funds to start up and actualize their dreams”.
He added, “As a young man, I will always support youth development, even as my popular developmental slogan for the youths remains “OUR FUTURE IS NOW”.
The speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barrister) Onofiok Luke, at the plenary thanked members for their various contributions to the bill while assuring the youths of the state that justice will be done to the bill for the benefit of Akwa Ibom Youths.
The speaker added that for the purpose of an in-depth study, the bill will be committed to the joint committee on youths and sports and economic development and planning. He directed that the committee should report back to the house for further legislative actions.
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