Minister urges youth to embrace dialogue

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged youths to embrace dialogue and engage in result-oriented initiatives for self-development and nation-building.

The minister gave this charge when he received a delegation from the Forum of Special Assistants/Senior Special Assistants to Governors, led by the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Hon. Titi Gbadamosi, at Ship House, Abuja.

Badaru said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform initiatives are aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. He noted that one of the bold steps taken by the President was granting autonomy to local governments to ensure accountable development at the grassroots level and strengthen accessible governance.

The minister added that the President has also introduced various palliatives, such as the Social Security Intervention to states (Sub-Nationals), the Post-Subsidy Removal Presidential Grant, and loan schemes to support Nigerians through their state governments.

Badaru noted that the Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT), and other Skilled-up Artisans Initiatives (SUPA) were specifically implemented for youth development.

He advised the youths to collaborate with the Ministries of Information and National Orientation for publicity, Trade and Industry, Humanitarian Affairs, Youths, the Minister coordinating the National Economy and Finance, and other agencies like BOA, Bank of Industries, and SMEDAN to take advantage of the programs and initiatives available to them.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Hon. Titi Gbadamosi, said the Forum is committed to advancing youth across the continent by fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.

She announced that an event is slated to be held on the 1st and 2nd of October, 2024, at the International Conference Center, Abuja. She added that the event is designed to catalyse the active participation of Nigerian youths in nation-building and economic empowerment.