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Our delegation, which included Mr. Zekeri, Ilyasu Bature, Kabir Akintayo, and Nafisa Bello—all PRNigeria staff—began presenting our mission. When Mr. Zekeri stood up to speak, Honourable Shagaya gestured gently for him to remain seated, signaling that we were among equals. That small, subtle gesture left a deep impression on me. In that moment, I witnessed leadership not built on titles or theatrics, but on humility and empathy. True power doesn’t need to announce itself—it invites others in. Soon, Honourable Shagaya called his colleague and friend, Honourable Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, who represents Badagry Federal Constituency and serves as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources. Honourable Whingan arrived moments later—youthful, soft-spoken, and graceful in off-white traditional attire. The conversation, led by Mr. Zekeri on behalf of our publisher, Malam Yushau Shuaib, centered on the goals of the Fellowship: to mentor aspiring journalists, instill ethical communication skills, and create platforms for young voices. He highlighted the achievements of Honourable Shagaya’s own media aide, Lukman Bashir—a proud alumnus of the Ilorin edition. When it was my turn to speak, I shared my story—not just as a journalist, but as someone whose life trajectory was altered by the Fellowship. I spoke of how the programme gave us more than training. It gave us identity, direction, and a platform to be heard. I appealed to them not merely as politicians, but as young Nigerians who understand the urgent need to empower the next generation of storytellers. Their responses were not only supportive—they were sincere. They didn’t speak in rehearsed political language. They engaged with us, human to human. Both lawmakers praised the initiative and pledged to support the 2025 edition in their constituencies. And when they spoke, it didn’t feel transactional—it felt like a shared commitment. As we exited the complex, I couldn’t help but reflect: this wasn’t just a meeting. It was an exchange of dreams, grounded in purpose and mutual respect. Sometimes, the most impactful experiences don’t make headlines. They unfold quietly, in honest conversations and firm handshakes. That day at the National Assembly reminded me that behind Nigeria’s walls of power, there are young leaders who listen, who care, and who believe in building others. It reminded me that our voices matter. Our stories matter. With the right kind of leadership, change doesn’t have to be a far-off aspiration. It can begin today, in places as grand as a legislative chamber—or as humble as a conversation over shared values. This was more than a visit. It was a powerful affirmation that when youth and leadership align, possibilities multiply.
Umar Farouk Bala is a corps member currently serving at the PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. He can be reached at [email protected]