The Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O Sulaiman received a delegation from the NTA Parliament. Led by the new General Manager, Abdullahi Garba Birnin Kudu at the Institute on Tuesday.
In his mission statement, Birnin Kudu praised the Institute’s boss for the immense work he has facilitated, targeted at advancing democracy in Nigeria; he said the NTA Parliament is hoping to connect with the Institute to further set agenda, heighten visibility of the developmental programmes as well as sensitize the citizenry on the critical roles of the Legislature not only at the centre but also in the states.
“I wish to seek NILDS’ support in developing the capacity of NTA journalists that report the proceedings of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to update their skills in tune with the realities on ground” he noted.
The General Manager further appealed to the Director General to see to a retainership agreement between the Institute and NTA Parliament so as to give room for a seamless interface and engagement.
In his response, Prof. Sulaiman expressed delight at seeing a veteran like Abdullahi Birnin Kudu who has an in-depth knowledge of the Legislature at the helm of affairs at the NTA Parliament, which he hopes would translate to revamping the station.
The Director General further opined that a thriving democracy requires the nurturing of democratic institutions and personnel. “We can only sustain the democracy if all agencies are performing their social responsibility in line with world’ best practices”, he noted.
Prof. Sulaiman informed that NILDS has been at the forefront of building capacities of Legislators, Parliamentary Staff, and officials of other democratic institutions through its numerous training programmes, research activities, advocacy as well as internship programmes for Law graduates in Legislative Drafting. He assured that the Institute will work with NTA Parliament which is also service oriented to continue to give back to the society in realizing good governance in the country.
He reiterated that while the Institute is organizing induction programmes for new Legislators, it is pertinent to carry the journalists that report news on Parliaments across the country along by giving them orientation programmes so as to shape their perception for better service delivery.
