Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly, has commended the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre for its steady commitment to preparing young Nigerians for public service. Speaking through his representative, Dr. Ali B. Umoru, Ogunlana described PLAC’s Legislative Internship Programme as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for strengthening democratic governance and parliamentary excellence.
The recognition came at the Model Legislative Assembly Session held to mark the end of the 2026 PLAC Legislative Internship Programme. On behalf of the Clerk, Dr. Umoru congratulated the interns for completing the rigorous training. He urged them to carry the values of democracy, integrity, and service into every role they take on after the programme.
Dr. Umoru explained that the internship offered something classrooms alone cannot provide. For several weeks, participants were embedded in the daily work of the National Assembly. Their experience covered lawmaking, representation, oversight, committee work, legislative drafting, research, and other essential parliamentary functions. 
According to him, that practical exposure has left the cohort better equipped to contribute to governance. The interns now combine theoretical understanding with real skills, positioning them to support national development in concrete and measurable ways.
Ogunlana noted that the PLAC Legislative Internship Programme has distinguished itself over the years. It has grown into a key pipeline for young Nigerians pursuing careers in legislative practice, public policy, governance, and democratic leadership across federal and state institutions.
The Clerk also praised PLAC for its focus on building stronger democratic institutions through capacity development. He said the organization’s investment in promising young leaders will yield long-term results by producing future legislators, policy specialists, and public administrators who understand how government works.
He extended gratitude to everyone who supported the programme. This included the leadership and members of the National Assembly, management and staff of the legislature, as well as mentors, facilitators, and development partners who guided the interns. Speaking to the graduates, Ogunlana advised them to treat the ceremony not as an end point, but as the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, excellence, accountability, and democratic values. He also encouraged them to maintain the professional networks they built and to keep sharpening their knowledge, because Nigeria will need informed and innovative voices in the years ahead.
“The future of our democracy depends significantly on young people who are informed, engaged, innovative and committed to the principles of accountability, transparency and the rule of law,” he stated. Ogunlana charged the interns to approach the Model Legislative Assembly Session with seriousness, saying it would test their grasp of procedure, their ability to debate constructively, and their capacity to work together for the common good. He expressed confidence that many of them will one day return to the National Assembly as distinguished lawmakers, parliamentary officers, policy experts, and leaders dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
