NILDS to empower Legislature for stronger democracy and good governance – DG
The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has said that the Institute would continue to enhance the capacity of the Legislature to promote democracy and good governance in the country.
Prof. Sulaiman said this last Wednesday (February 14, 2024) while presenting a paper, entitled “Fostering Legislative Governance through Capacity Building: Lesson from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies” organised by the University of Ilorin Institute For Legislative Studies.
The NILDS Director General said that the Institute would improve the Legislature’s access to human capacity building and research to support their legislative duties, adding that all hands must be on deck, anchored on the principle of separation of power and checks and balances to overcome the challenges facing the nation.
Prof. Sulaiman explained that from 2019 till date, the Institute had scaled up its programmes and initiated new ones to improve the capacity of the Legislatures.
He stressed that democracy and good governance were fundamental requirements to achieving sustainable development.
The Director General noted that the Legislature, which houses the democratically elected representatives of the people, has the task of ensuring functional government for the benefit of its citizens.
Prof. Sulaiman stressed that all challenges affecting legislative governance can be addressed through sustained capacity building.
He commended the management of the University of Ilorin for putting in place the programme to find a lasting solution to issues affecting legislative governance in the country.
The Director General pointed out that the University of Ilorin Institute for Legislative Studies was an institution well-suited to develop capacity in legislative studies and governance. He further encouraged the Center to leverage its location in North Central Nigeria and proximity to states in the Western region to enhance the skills and knowledge of legislators and other democratic institutions.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum of the new centre to ensure its continuous operation for the benefit of all stakeholders. He appreciated the role played by the Director General of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Suleiman.
Prof. Egbewole added that after months of preparation, the Institute has finally come to life, providing a crucial platform for enhancing skills and knowledge.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria expressed the hope that the Institute would continue to thrive and grow, becoming a pillar of knowledge and expertise in the country, adding that the partnership between the University and NILDS is set to flourish, with both institutions committed to fostering a strong and fruitful collaboration.
Prof. Egbewole highlighted the visionary leadership of Prof. Is’haq Olarenwaju Oloyede, the 8th Vice Chancellor of the University, as the brain behind the establishment of the Institute for the growth and development of the society.
In his welcome address, the Director of the University of Ilorin Institute of Legislative Studies, Prof. Ibrahim Imam, said that under his leadership as a respected authority in Public Law, the Institute would contribute to the development and advancement of legislative practices in Nigeria and beyond
The Director also highlighted the importance of capacity building in expanding personal and professional horizons, expressing his optimism that this partnership would yield many benefits, not just for the university, but for the broader community as well.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kehinde Kolawole Eleja (SAN), said a collaborative effort between the NILDS and Unilorin Institutes for Legislative Studies is highly commendable and should be sustained.
He also advised all present to appreciate the importance and value of legislative governance and capacity building, support and participate in the efforts and initiatives of the Institute and other relevant institutions.
Mr Eleja also challenged all present to reflect on their roles and responsibilities as citizens and stakeholders in the legislative and democratic process, to strengthen democracy in the country.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. S. F. Ambali; the Deputy Vice Chancellor-designate, Prof. Adegboyega Fawole; the Registrar, Mr. Mansur Alfanla; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, represented by the Director, Legal Drafting, Kwara State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Oluwatoyin Omowale; Prof H. O. Ijaya, Prof. O. A. Ojo, Prof. Adedoyin Oloje, Prof. Uwa Abdulhamid, Dr. R. O. Yusuf, Dr. Azeeza Amoloye-Adebayo, Dr. A. B. Abdulkadir, Mr. Dayo Babalola, Deans of various Faculties, Directors of units, staff members, and students of the better by far citadel of learning.