A Non-governmental organisation, Glowing Minds Initiatives (GMI), in collaboration with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, has organised a six-month training for youths on policy development and advocacy projects.

The Executive Director of Glowing Minds Initiatives, Shamsudeen Abdulrazaq, disclosed that the training aims to help the youths in Niger State learn the basics of policy development, including how to formulate policies, advocate for them, and monitor the government’s existing policies. This will enable them to participate actively in the development of the state, particularly concerning government activities.

Shamsudeen added, “One of the things we discovered over time was the situation where there is a gap between youths and what the government is doing.”

He said that the organisation also realised there was a gap in skill development and saw the need to build the capacity of young people.

He said, “The areas we are looking at include policy development, policy brief, monitoring and evaluation, among others.

He further stated that one of the policies the organisation is considering is the domestication of the National Youth Policy in Niger State, pointing out that the first phase of the participants would be those who contribute to the Niger State Youth Policy.

Shamsudeen highlighted that the participants at the training would also be part of those who will engage with government officials related to youth development in the state.

He, however, promised that the participants will learn a lot, adding that while they are learning, they are also building their capacity and contributing to the development of the state.

The Executive Director hinted that 25 youths were engaged across the three Senatorial districts of the state, including people with special needs.