From the onset, Olawande has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to connecting directly with young Nigerians. Through engagement tours across states, he sought firsthand insights into their aspirations, challenges, and needs. These visits were not mere ceremonial gestures but pivotal platforms to craft programs rooted in the realities of the youth. His approach fostered trust and highlighted his dedication to bridging the gap between the government and the youth. In Delta and Cross River States, for example, these engagements led to the training of young individuals for digital jobs, directly responding to their expressed needs.
Furthermore, his visit to Maimalari Barracks in Borno to meet wounded young soldiers and his outreach to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps exemplify a leader driven by empathy and action. By distributing learning materials to young people in IDP camps, Olawande emphasized the importance of education, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Under Olawande’s leadership, various initiatives have been launched to empower young Nigerians economically. The Corpreneur Support Scheme offers funding support to NYSC members trained in the SAED program, providing them with resources to kickstart entrepreneurial ventures. This program has already reached six states, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and productivity among the youth.
At the grassroots level, the Grassroots Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (G-YESS) has been instrumental in supporting small-scale businesses that sustain local communities. These efforts underline Olawande’s belief in empowering young people to become self-reliant and economically independent.
Olawande has also taken proactive steps to address security challenges faced by Nigerian youth. The Young & Secure Initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Police Affairs, seeks to tackle profiling and harassment by security agencies. Coupled with the establishment of a dedicated Youth Help Desk, this initiative provides a channel for young Nigerians to report cases of police harassment, ensuring swift resolution and fostering trust between the youth and law enforcement.
In the digital sphere, Olawande has championed initiatives that prepare Nigerian youth for the future. The Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), an e-learning platform offering vocational and digital skills training, has already garnered over 80,000 sign-ups even before its official launch. The platform, central to the “I Youth, 2 Skills” initiative, aims to bridge the skill gap and create a pool of trained youths for employers to draw from. This effort is further bolstered by the DL4ALL program, launched in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which aims to train 30 million Nigerians in digital literacy.
Recognizing the contributions of informal sector workers, Olawande partnered with the Presidential Initiative on CNG to deliver CNG-powered tricycles to 2,000 youth in the transportation sector. This initiative not only promotes greener transportation but also provides sustainable livelihoods to thousands of families.
Additionally, his collaboration with the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to train and create 5,000 jobs in the data protection sector underscores his dedication to equipping youth with skills aligned with global trends.
A visionary leader, Olawande facilitated the establishment of youth-oriented infrastructure across the country. The proposed Youth House in Abuja, Youth Centers in all states, and Green Houses in 774 LGAs represent an ambitious plan to decentralize youth development initiatives. These centers will serve as job and support hubs, providing critical resources and opportunities at the grassroots level.
Moreover, Olawande’s efforts to launch the National Youth Conference, a platform for dialogue between youth and the government, reflects his belief in participatory governance. Scheduled for a formal announcement by President Tinubu, the conference will provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to deliberate on pressing issues and contribute to national policies.
Hon. Ayodele Olawande’s transformative initiatives have redefined the government’s relationship with Nigerian youth. His programs are not just interventions but solutions designed to uplift millions of young people. By addressing security concerns, promoting digital literacy, supporting entrepreneurs, and fostering inclusivity, Olawande has shown that youth development is not merely a ministry’s mandate but a moral obligation.
Femi Salako is a publisher and wrote this piece from Akure, Ondo State.
