The Federal Government has inaugurated the Young Adolescent Technical Working Committee, a specialised team dedicated to addressing the developmental and health needs of young adolescents.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving youth health under the Renewed Hope Agenda during the inauguration in Abuja on Thursday.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at improving health services and prioritising the voices and well-being of young people across the country.

Olawande stressed that young people must be in good health to fully benefit from the administration’s empowerment and development programmes.

“Health is not merely the absence of disease, but a complete state of mental, physical, and social well-being.

“I am pleased that this committee will focus on critical issues such as mental health, substance abuse, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human papillomavirus (HPV), and non-communicable diseases,” he said.

He urged the committee to implement their plans promptly and ensure swift action on the outlined initiatives.

In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, represented by Mr Wale Joseph, Director of General Services, encouraged the committee to intensify efforts to execute the approved concept note and advance youth health.

Olusanya emphasised the importance of prioritising a healthy youth population, adding, “This initiative has come at the right time, and I see a bright future ahead.”