By Mathew Dadiya
The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman has felicitated with fellow Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion of the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the country.
Prof Sulaiman said as Nigeria comes of age, with its people increasingly asserting themselves in every sphere of life across the globe, adding, “there is indeed much to be proud of in being a Nigerian.”
The NILDS boss in a statement signed on Saturday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to count their blessings and be driven forward by them.
“Indeed, patriotic Nigerians have ample reasons to celebrate the fact that in spite of the clear challenges that the differences in our tongues, modes of worship and other elements of our diversity pose to nationhood, we have remained together.
“But there is still much to be done to fully realise the lofty dreams that inspired our founding fathers in their brave struggle that ended colonialism on our shores over six decades ago.
“In fulfilment of our determination in providing legislative support for every idea and initiative geared towards making Nigeria our pride and beloved homeland, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS has recently moved to its state- of- the-art permanent site located at Plot 307, Cadastral Zone, Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, Airport Road,” the institute’s DG stated.
This feat, according to Prof Sulaiman, is a major step towards realising the Institute’s vision to be the premier legislative support institution in the sub-region, the African continent, and beyond.
He said the priority of NILDS is to ensure that the necessary legislative frameworks support government actions, provide technical assistance to members and committees in the legislature towards evidence-based laws, and are responsive to the needs of the society.
Sulaiman explained that with the just concluded National Assembly Leadership retreat, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and the alignment of the legislative agenda of the respective chambers, with the 8-Point Agenda and ‘Renewed Hope” mantra of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, affirming that Nigerians have no need to despair as a people.
He noted that the leadership of the country was working hard to improve the lives of Nigerians.
The Institute, he assured, will not relent in giving absolute technical support and the necessary legislative frameworks to support government actions and ensure that laws are effective, just, and reflective of the needs and values of Nigerians.
“We must never lose sight of our God-given potentials and we must be prepared to do our part in realising Nigeria’s greatness. Happy Independence Day, Nigerians!,” he concluded.
