Rep. Martins Esin Moderates High-Level Session on Youth Participation in Politics & Governance at NASS Open Week
JULY 11TH, 2025
Rep. Martins Esin, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, on Thursday moderated a high-level panel on Youth Participation in Politics and Governance as part of the National Assembly Open Week 2025.
The session, held at the House of Representatives, brought together lawmakers, youth leaders, and stakeholders for a robust conversation on the imperative of youth inclusion in policymaking and constitutional reform.
In his opening remarks, Rep. Esin highlighted landmark strides by the 10th Assembly, including the historic creation of two dedicated standing committees on youth affairs.
He also noted deliberate allocations in the 2025 national budget geared toward youth innovation, enterprise development, and empowerment.
Charging Nigerian youths to move beyond advocacy and prepare to contest for elective positions in the 2027 general elections, Esin referenced the Not Too Young To Run Act, passed in 2018, as a critical legislative instrument that dismantled age-related barriers to youth participation in politics.
Stating that the legal framework is in place, he urged young Nigerians to step forward, organize, mobilize, and take their place in shaping the future of the country.
The session featured notable contributions from ranking lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR; the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Rep. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, Chairman, House Committee on Youth in Parliament; and Rep. Cyril Godwin Hart, Chairman, House Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of the Legislative Agenda, among others.
REP. MARTINS ESIN JOINS FIRST LADY AT NYSC DIGITAL MUSEUM AND TELEVISION STUDIO COMMISSIONING
JANUARY 23RD, 2025
Rep. Martins Esin, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, participated in the commissioning of the NYSC Digital Museum and Television Studio in Abuja on Thursday. The event was graced by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, marking a significant step in advancing digital innovation and media capabilities within the NYSC
2025 BUDGET DEFENCE: FOCUS ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
JANUARY 16TH, 2025
Rep. Martins Esin, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development and Member representing Oron Federal Constituency, co-chaired the 2025 budget defence for youth-focused programs on Wednesday.
The session reviewed appropriations for youth-centered projects under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) for the 2025 fiscal year.
Key stakeholders, including Youth Development Minister Ayodele Olawande, NYSC Director-General Brig. Gen. YD Ahmed (Rtd.), and CLTC Director-General Adesoji Eniade, presented their proposals in a joint meeting of Senate and House committees.
HOUSE OF REPS HOSTS YOUTH TOWNHALL ON 2025 BUDGET
DECEMBER 16TH, 2024
…Speaker Abbas, Martins Esin, Youth Minister, Others Amplify Youth Priorities
The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday, hosted the Youth Townhall on the 2025 Budget with the theme “Co-Creating the Future: Youth Aspirations for the 2025 Budget.”
The event aimed to integrate youth voices into the nation’s planning processes, particularly as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
In his welcome remarks, Rep. Martins Esin, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development emphasized the timeliness of the engagement, noting that youths, as the largest demographic group, are not mere beneficiaries of the national budget but active stakeholders deserving of investments that address their educational needs, skills development, job creation, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He stated that the outcome of the discussions would ensure youth-responsive budgeting becomes a reality rather than rhetoric.
“This Townhall fulfils the Speaker’s promise to institutionalize youth-centred dialogues and ensure youth priorities are central to our legislative agenda,” said Rep. Esin who represents Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, in his keynote address, challenged Nigerian youths to unite and articulate their aspirations in an organized fashion that would enable their desires translate into actionable policies.
The Townhall brought together key government officials, youth organizations, policy experts, and grassroots representatives to discuss youth-focused priorities for the 2025 budget.
The technical session, moderated by Rep. Martins Esin, featured robust contributions from the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande; Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media, Hon. Philip Agbese; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim; Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Leko Gambo; and the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun.
Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Youth Initiatives, Titilope Gbadamosi, also participated alongside youth leaders including Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN); APC National Youth Leader, Mr. Israel Dayo; and Comrade Lucky Emonefe, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Delegates from organizations such as Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Yiaga Africa, Nigerian Youth Parliament, Young Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria, Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), and representatives of People with Disabilities, and a host of others, also shared perspectives on youth-focused priorities.
During the technical session, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, assured participants of the inclusivity of the forthcoming 30-day National Youth Conference announced by President Tinubu, reiterating that the confab would serve as a platform to articulate and address the grassroots needs of Nigerian youths.
In recognition of his pro-youth initiatives, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD (GCON) was presented with an award by Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, President of NYCN.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS STRATEGIC MEETING ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
NOVERMBER 4TH, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin, Chair of the House Committee on Youth Development, convened a high-level strategic meeting with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and Senate Committee Chair on Youth & Community Engagement, Sen. Adeyemi Adaramodu. The discussions focused on aligning legislative and executive efforts to enhance youth empowerment and tackle pressing challenges.
Key participants included Hon. Ojema Ojotu, Chair of the House Committee on Inland Waterways; Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, Deputy Chair of the Youth Development Committee; Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Youth Ministry; and Mr. El-Kufahn Ali, Clerk of the Youth Development Committee. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in driving impactful youth-focused policies and programs.
REP. MARTINS ESIN REPRESENTS SPEAKER ABBAS AT AFRICA/NATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION
NOVERMBER 1ST, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin, Chair of the House Committee on Youth Development, represented Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at the Africa/National Youth Day celebration in Abuja. He emphasized the 10th Assembly’s focus on youth issues, highlighting legislative efforts like the Students Loan Bill, aimed at expanding access to education, and the National Youth Welfare Scheme Fund for skills development and job creation.
Rep. Martins Esin also mentioned Speaker Abbas’s initiatives to engage youth, including appointing young Nigerians as Senior Legislative Aides and holding biannual dialogues with youth groups. He commended President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 30-day National Youth Conference to strengthen government-youth relations. The event gathered key officials, international representatives, and youth leaders.
REP. MARTINS ESIN WITH EFCC CHAIRMAN
OCTOBER 26TH, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin met with the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, during an important engagement with the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts. The meeting focused on enhancing accountability and transparency in public financial management.
REP. MARTINS ESIN PARTICIPATES IN PUBLIC ACCOUNT RETREAT
OCTOBER 7TH, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin joined colleagues from the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts at the opening of their retreat in Akwa Ibom State. The event was attended by the State’s Deputy Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, and aimed to enhance the committee’s effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability in public financial management
REP. MARTINS ESIN URGES START OF ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES AT MARITIME UNIVERSITY, ORON
SEPTEMBER 26TH,2024
Rep. Martins Esin, representing the Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency, moved a motion in the House of Representatives urging the Federal Government to commence academic activities at the University of Maritime Studies in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. During the session, chaired by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Esin, who is also the Chair of the House Committee on Youth Development, highlighted the institution’s strategic importance to the maritime industry and the surrounding community. He emphasized that starting academic activities would significantly benefit local students and enhance the region’s economic development
ORON UNION (ABUJA) BRANCH HONORS REP. MARTINS ESIN
JULY 26TH ,2024
Rep. Martins Esin was honoured by the Oron Union, Abuja Branch, for his exceptional representation and leadership in the National Assembly over the past year. The courtesy visit was led by the Branch President, Ulap Ukpong Ukpong.
The Life Patron of the Branch, Very Rev. Vincent Asukwo presented the Award of Excellence to Rep. Martins Esin and praised his significant legislative contributions and dedication to the needs of his constituents in education, economic empowerment, infrastructure, youth development and social welfare.
REP. MARTINS ESIN MEETS WITH THE GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE
JULY 21ST, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin, alongside members of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. The meeting centered on addressing pressing security challenges impacting Enugu State and the broader Southeast region.
During the discussion, both parties emphasized the importance of collaboration between state governments and the federal legislature in enhancing security measures and fostering peace across the region. The visit highlighted the commitment of the committee and the governor’s administration to finding sustainable solutions to security-related concerns in the Southeast.
REP. MARTINS ESIN ATTENDS TOWN HALL MEETING HOSTED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
JULY 31ST, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin participated in the town hall meeting with youth groups and organisations, hosted by the House of Representatives under the leadership of Mr. Speaker, Rt.Hon.Tajudeen Abbas,PhD.
The meeting was convened to address pressing issues affecting youth welfare and to explore strategies for mitigating the economic challenges facing many citizens.
The Chairman, House committee on Youth Development emphasised in his opening remarks that dialogue with the groups marks one of many steps towards crafting more youth-centred policies under the current administration
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOST NPC TEAM
JUNE 13TH, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin hosted the Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Akwa Ibom State, Chief.Engr. Benedict Ukpong and members of his team on the ongoing preparation of the commission in Akwa Ibom State for the conduct of the forthcoming Population and Housing Census.
REP. MARTINS ESIN INSPECTS FCT ORIENTATION CAMP
JULY 8TH ,2024
Rep. Martins Esin led a National Assembly delegation on an inspection tour of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He expressed the National Assembly’s support for an increase in corps members’ monthly allowance, noting that this adjustment is pending the implementation of the new minimum wage.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS CHAIRPERSONS OF THE ORON/MBO/OKOBO/UDUNG UKO/URUEOFFONG ORUKO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
JUNE 7TH, 2024
Rep.Martins Esin hosted the five local government chairmen from the Federal Constituency in furtherance of his collaborative effort towards good governance and the effective representation of our people.
The meeting underscored the importance of cooperation between government officials at both the local and national levels in fostering development and progress within the constituency.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS SSA TO THE PRESIDENT ON CITIZENSHIP AND LEADERSHIP
FEBRUARY 29TH, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin hosted Mrs. Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, along with Titi Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, to discuss youth-targeted programs outlined in the 2024 Appropriation Act. He was accompanied by Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development.
REP. MARTINS ESIN UNVEILS WORK PLAN ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AT LAGOS
FEBRUARY 25TH, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin unveiled a work plan outlining activities and programs to guide the 10th National Assembly committee’s operations. The plan focuses on youth employment and empowerment, increased budgeting for youth development, pro-youth advocacy, and effective oversight of MDAs.
REP. MARTINS ESIN INSPECTS LAGOS NYSC ORIENTATION CAMP
FEBRUARY 25TH, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, led committee members on an oversight visit to the Lagos NYSC orientation camp. The visit was part of efforts to evaluate the condition and adequacy of facilities provided for corps members during their service year.
REP. MARTINS ESIN MEETS LAGOS DEPUTY GOVERNOR OVER YOUTH WELFARE
FEBRUARY 24TH, 2024
Rep.Martins Esin led members of his committee on a working visit to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hazmat in Ikeja on Friday.
The committee resolved to work towards the activation of a National Council on Youth Development to engender harmonised efforts toward youth welfare in Nigeria. This council would serve as a platform where the Federal Ministry of Youth Development engages with the state commissioners and the supervisors for youth development at the local government level to fuse ideas and take youth to the next level.
The visit was as the result of the youth development retreat in Lagos State for committee members.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RETREAT IN LAGOS STATE
FEBRUARY 23RD, 2024
Rep. Martins Esin hosted a two-day agenda- setting retreat in collaboration with Yiaga Africa and the European Union for members of the Youth Development Committee.
The retreat was focused on setting up initiatives that can tackle youth unemployment and the empowerment downturn bedeviling the country. It also considered steps to amplify youth voices in the policymaking process and modalities to measure the impact of the committee`s initiatives.
REP. MARTINS ESIN PARTICIPATES IN THE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RETREAT IN IKOT-EKPENE, AKWA- IBOM STATE
FEBRUARY 10TH, 2024
Rep. Martins participated at the two day board and management retreat of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) held in Akwa-Ibom State. He emphasized the need to bridge the swelling trust deficit between NDDC and the indigenes of the Niger Delta region.
REP.MARTINS ESIN PRESIDES OVER 2024 BUDGET DEFENCE ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
DECEMBER 16TH, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin presided over the 2024 budget defence in a joint committee meeting alongside the Senate Committee on Youth Development, chaired by Sen. Yemi Adaramodu.
The meeting, attended by Senators and Honourable members of the House of Representatives, provided a platform for key figures to defend their budgets. Present were the Honourable Minister and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim and Mr. Ayodele Olawande, respectively, as well as the Director General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. YD Ahmed, and the Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Center (CLTC). Each presented and defended their budget allocations, underscoring the financial needs and strategic goals of their respective institutions for the upcoming year.
REP.MARTINS ESIN INSPECTS NYSC ORIENTATION CAMP IN PAIKO,NIGER STATE
NOVEMBER 20TH, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin led committee members to an oversight visit to the NYSC orientation camp in Paiko, Niger state where they inspected camp facilities and encouraged young graduates to embrace patriotism in their service to the nation.
REP. MARTINS ESIN INAUGURATES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 15TH, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin inaugurated the Youth development committee at the National Assembly and promised to advocate for youth-responsive budgeting by pushing for increase in the budget allocation for youth development and education.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS YIAGA AFRICA
NOVEMBER 3RD, 2023
Rep.Martins Esin hosted the YIAGA Africa delegation led by the Executive Director, Mr Samson Itodo. They agreed to press demands for youth- responsive budgeting and programmes that would drive sustainable youth empowerment and good governance in the country.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS INCLUDE KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM
NOVEMBER 2ND, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin hosted Anika Altaf, Executive Director of Include Knowledge Platform at the National Assembly. They discussed partnership on the enhancement of learning opportunities for young Nigerians.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS SENATE SPOKESPERSON AND CHAIRMAN SENATE COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND SPORTS
OCTOBER 24TH, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin hosted Sen Yemi Adaramodu in his office to discuss possible ways both chambers of the 10th National Assembly can help in safeguarding the welfare and development of Nigerian youths.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS FLEXISAF FOUNDATION -
OCTOBER 19TH, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin hosted the Flexisaf foundation in his office where he stated his commitment to the development of youths by working together with relevant stakeholders in the non- profits sector that will guarantee opportunities for young Nigerians in every sector.
REP. MARTINS ESIN MEETS WITH DG NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS OVER THE ABDUCTION OF CORPS MEMBER
SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin convened a meeting with the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to address the abduction of eight corps members from Akwa Ibom State by gunmen in Zamfara State while en route to the NYSC Orientation Camp. The meeting centered on strengthening security measures and exploring collaborative efforts to protect corps members, with a focus on preventing similar incidents and ensuring their safety throughout their service year.
Rep. Martins Esin reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding young graduates serving the nation, calling for immediate enhancements to security protocols within the NYSC program.
REP. MARTINS ATTENDS THE YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS FORUM CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY YIAGA AFRICA
AUGUST 2ND, 2023
Rep. Martins Esin attended the capacity building workshop organized by YIAGA Africa at Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom State. Rep Martins Esin commended the eagerness of his colleagues to make a difference as this was evidently felt during the deliberations and discussions held at the retreat.
REP. MARTINS ESIN HOSTS STEPHANIE OGECHUKWU
Rep. Martins Esin hosted 13-year-old Miss Stephanie Ogechukwu, who showcased remarkable talent at the 2023 National Youth Games in Asaba by winning four gold medals in gymnastics. He commended her dedication and potential, highlighting the importance of supporting young athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
