As part of its efforts to entrench a culture of engagements between citizens and their representatives, Yiaga Africa in a town hall meeting on Saturday urged lawmakers to regularly organize gatherings that facilitate feedback from constituents. as a catalyst for responsive and inclusive governance.
The meeting organized by Honorable Jeremiah Umaru, legislative member representing Akwanga/Nasarawa/Wamba Federal Constituency, with support from Yiaga Africa through the European Union’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Program, brought together traditional and religious leaders, market women, unions, tribal associations, youths, and members of all political parties to witness his presentation on his stewardship thus far and offer feedback for improved representation.
Speaking at the meeting, Yiaga Africa’s Centre for Legislative Engagement Coordinator, Dr. Sam Oguche, explained that this meeting is a testament to Yiaga Africa’s commitment to promoting participatory democracy across Africa particularly at the grassroots. He added that Yiaga Africa will continue to engage young legislators to deliver on their mandate.
“The organization is interested in the activities of young leaders at the National Assembly including women. This is one in a series of townhall meetings to be held across the nation and we hope that this encounter has adequately informed you of what your servant whom you sent to the National Assembly has been able to accomplish so far,’ he added.
He further noted that Yiaga Africa is closely observing the adoption of this initiative by 43 other young legislators in the House of Representatives geared towards deepening democracy, entrenching a culture of legislative engagement and ensuring inclusivity and effective representation by the young lawmakers.
Addressing his constituents, Hon. Jeremiah Umaru stressed that his key legislative responsibilities are quality representation, law making, and proper oversight, while noting that despite the tremendous success recorded in the area of quality representation, there is more to be done, which therefore necessitated the meeting.
Presenting his scorecard for the past 8 months in the House, Hon. Umaru highlighted some of his feats to include the moving of seven motions and sponsorship of ten bills, some of which have passed second reading.
Others include donation of 30 vehicles, distribution of 1,000 fertilizer, knapsack spraying machine, solar street lights, solar water project, sponsored JAMB registration for 350 candidates in the 2024 exercise from 34 electoral wards, erection of telecom mast in Gotta ward of Wamba, donation of six transformers, to the three LGAs, renovation of classrooms, electricity in Marhai and Message communities in Kwarra and Mangar wards of Wamba.
In his goodwill message, Gov. Abdullahi Sule, represented by Mr. Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Environmental and Natural Resources, pledged to partner with the lawmaker to better the lives of people in his constituency, as the law maker continues to make the state proud.
Other guests present were Prof. Onje Gyewado, former deputy governor and chieftain of PDP; Chief Anthony Yamusa, District Head of Akwanga and Chairman forum of District Heads in the constituency, and Alexander Emmanuel, State Chairman of Labour Party
