Minister to step down for essay competition winner today

Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has promised to vacate his seat for winner of the International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) essay competition.

Speaking yesterday after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Plan International to promote the development, wellbeing and health of youths, with focus on girls and young women in Abuja, Olawande said: “We will work with Plan International to enhance the protection and promotion of girl rights. Coincidentally, tomorrow is the International Day of the Girl Child, and to celebrate the occasion, I will be vacating my seat for the winner of this year’s
IDG Essay Competition to serve as a Minister for the Day!”

The minister explained that the agreement was to empower Nigerian youths to be self-reliant, socially responsible and active contributors to the development of the country.

He said: “The MoU we are about to sign will see us working together on specific initiatives that promote quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, empowerment and leadership development for youth in general, and young women in particular.

“Our work with Plan International will focus on youth empowerment and leadership development, education and skill development and wellbeing, including sexual and reproductive health, protection from violence, exploitation and abuse, and promoting gender equality and inclusion.”