Minister calls for collective effort to empower Nigeria’s youth

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has emphasised the need for a collective approach to effectively address the pressing challenges facing the country’s youth.

Olawande made the call in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), led by Dr Onyeche Douglas, the team leader.

He outlined a vision for a sustainable framework that not only addressed immediate concerns but also empowered young people through skills development and entrepreneurship programmes.

“It is crucial to involve young people in leadership and community roles. We need to address the issue of informal youth being overlooked in favour of their formal counterparts.

“I urge all political and societal entities to prioritise the empowerment of young people, putting Nigeria first.

“I also call on international organisations, such as UNESCO and UNDP, to support efforts in creating a better future for Nigeria’s youth.

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“There is a pressing need for strategic partnerships that focus on productive and meaningful outcomes instead of superficial projects.

“We will overcome budgetary constraints to effectively fund youth-oriented initiatives,” he added.

Olawande explained that the meeting aimed to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, non-governmental organisations, and community leaders, to create a sustainable environment where young people could thrive.

On her part, Douglas emphasised NYFF’s commitment to engaging youth in both current governance processes and future leadership roles.

She highlighted both ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at empowering young individuals at local, national, and international levels.

She also encouraged that youth participate in discussions related to policy, tax reforms, and legislative bills, ensuring that they understood these topics and could actively engage in policy implementation.