The Nigerian National Assembly has joined Commonwealth nations worldwide to celebrate the 2025 Commonwealth Day reiterating its pledge to upholding democracy, peace, and sustainable development.
While delivering the keynote address on behalf of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mark Esset, Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, to mark the celebration with the theme; "Together We Thrive," he assured that Nigeria remains committed to the shared values of the 56-member Commonwealth.
He highlighted Nigeria’s active role in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and its unwavering support to fostering youth engagement and international cooperation.
"The National Assembly remains dedicated to strengthening democracy by supporting policies that promote social and economic inclusion, human rights, and environmental sustainability. We will continue to engage in Commonwealth parliamentary dialogue to share best practices and learn from other nations to enhance our governance," he stated.
Speaker of the House of Representatives noted Nigeria’s longstanding active participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), even as he recalled how the the countrysaying hosted the 56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Abuja in 2006.
He equally stressed that Nigeria has remained an active player in Commonwealth affairs, and has quality representatives in the likes of Hon. Tolu Sadipe who serves as the West Africa Regional Representative while Hon. Mark Esset serves as the Branch Representative.
The Speaker who hailed Hon. Zainab Gimba for her successful completion of her tenure as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), pledged the National Assembly’s support for recognizing the CPA as an international organization rather than a United Kingdom, UK-registered charity organisation.
He expressed joy that already a bill to that effect has passed in the UK House of Commons.
The Speaker however raised concerns over the political instability in parts of Africa, particularly the resurgence of military rule as well as the displacement of citizens as a result of conflicts.
The Nigerian House of Representatives Speaker therefore advocated for stronger Commonwealth collaboration to uphold democratic and human rights rights principles.
60 students from four schools were part of the celebration, thus reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance worldwide.
Towards this, Hon. Esset appealed to the House Committee on Youth Affairs and the Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Affairs to establish a framework for mentoring young people who participate in such events, to encourage their involvement in legislative matters.
"Our young people are the future of our democracy. We must not only educate them on governance but also empower them through mentorship initiatives like the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI)," he said.
On his part, the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Engr. B.A. Yero, who spoke on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., in his remarks stressed the importance of the Commonwealth Day celebration and urged the youth to embrace teamwork and innovation, saying they are agents of positive change not just in Nigeria but in the broader Commonwealth.
"The theme 'Together We Thrive' reminds us that despite differences in geography, culture, and history, we share common aspirations for justice, equality, and progress. Addressing challenges such as climate change, insecurity, and economic instability requires collaboration," he maintained.
The Secretary, Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Protocol, Elder Godwin Okon Ekpenyong, delivered the 2025 King’s Commonwealth Day Message, originally published on March 9 as part of the observance.
The message reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, as he paid glowing tribute to the 1.5 million Commonwealth soldiers who fought for global peace.
The King highlighted the significance of international cooperation and partnership in promoting peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
"In these uncertain times, the Commonwealth remains a unique platform where nations—large and small, young and old—come together as one family. Our greatest strength lies in our unity and shared responsibility for a better future," the King stated in the message.
The 2025 Commonwealth Day observance at the National Assembly once again reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, global cooperation, and youth empowerment.
Analysts said with strong parliamentary engagement as embedded in the celebration, calls for unity, and a renewed focus on mentorship, indeed promote the spirit of "Together We Thrive".