Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Constituency Outreach, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, has cautioned 34 young Nigerians deployed by Yiaga Africa to work in the constituency offices of selected members of the House against viewing the opportunity as a means to make money.

Tarkighir issued the warning during a weekend training session in Abuja for the interns, urging them to perceive the program as a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.

He advised participants to cultivate meaningful relationships that could lead to impactful contributions in their communities, emphasizing that their efforts would contribute to improved governance outcomes for the nation.

“Be clear in your minds, an internship is not a money-making opportunity,” Tarkighir stated.

He explained that the programme was designed to strengthen legislative-constituent relationships, foster better interactions between legislators and their constituents, and promote civic participation and accountability.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Suleiman, commended Yiaga Africa for its commitment to promoting good governance in Nigeria.

Highlighting the critical role of capacity building in sustaining democracy, Suleiman urged participants to be law-abiding citizens and exemplary representatives of their communities.

He noted that democracy should serve as a tool for collective development rather than personal gain and called for initiatives prioritising constituency growth over individual benefits.

Suleiman further stressed the importance of empowering young Nigerians, asserting that the nation’s future depends on their diligence and commitment.

“The future of this country belongs to the youth, and for a better tomorrow, we must do everything possible to prepare them for leadership,” he said.

He encouraged the interns to approach their primary assignments with dedication, noting that their performance would significantly shape Nigeria’s progress.

Dr. Samuel Uguche, the Coordinator for Legislative and Democratic Studies at Yiaga Africa, also urged the interns to contribute actively to national development.

He stressed the importance of collective action in driving progress and lauded the collaboration between Yiaga Africa, civil society organisations, and international bodies such as the EU, describing such partnerships as crucial for sustaining democratic ideals in Nigeria.