The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said the yearly quiz competition organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has helped in breeding future democrats.
Dogara, who spoke at the finals of the 2018 NILDS Quiz Competition for Senior Secondary Schools in Federal Capital Territory, stated that the competition exposes children early enough to the workings of government.
Represented at the occasion by Adamu Kamale, the member representing Michika/Madagali Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, Dogara pointed out that when children understand their government, they are able to participate in the greater society and help to create a stronger, more informed general population.
“I am a firm believer in the fact that education can contribute to democracy and democratic citizenship by offering equal opportunities to children of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and preparing citizens who know, understand and choose democracy by teaching them specific knowledge, skills and values needed to become democratic citizens.
“Engaging with children early is critical if our democracy is to thrive, children must be taught to value democracy as a way of life.
“Teaching democracy means preparing children to become citizens who will preserve and shape democracy in the future. As a result, democracy should be a key aspect in every form of education at the earliest age possible.
“Explaining to children the principles of the democratic system and promoting its assimilation will help to create collective awareness and promote values such as solidarity, empathy and respect,” he said.
The lawmaker said that the National Assembly had vigorously promoted the rights of children and young people through legislations.
He added that the quiz was another demonstration of the National Assembly’s commitment to Nigerian Children and determination to inculcate in them democratic principles.
Earlier in her remarks, the Director General, NILDS, Ladi Hamalai, expressed the desire of the Institute to expand the competition to cover the 36 states of the Federation.
She, however, called for private partnership to make it a reality.
Eight schools participated at the final of the competition from which Government Secondary School, Shere; Olumawu Secondary School, Wuse 2 and Government Secondary School, Karshi emerged first, second and third respectively.
