Tinubu won’t shun your policy recommendations, minister assures youths

The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has assured Nigerian youths of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to adopting and implementing policies aimed at providing a conducive environment for them to thrive.

Olawande, who gave this assurance while addressing the Valedictory Sitting of the 5th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, noted that the President is fully committed to adopting policies that have been thoughtfully recommended by Nigerian youths.

Describing the Nigerian Youth Parliament as a veritable platform that has allowed young people to air their views and promote meaningful participation in governance, he said that the initiative acknowledges the crucial role young people play in shaping the future and demonstrates a genuine willingness to listen to their insights and perspectives.

“The NYP is a flagship program of the Ministry, which was inaugurated and institutionalised in August 2008 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. It has run four sessions of two years each and has produced 436 youths with requisite skills in legislative processes and the rudiments of collective decision-making,” he said

“As you conclude your tenure in the NYP and with the commitment of Mr. President’s administration to a 30% quota for youth and women representatives in governance, I urge you to remain vigilant and continue to advocate for the rights of the youth, champion inclusive policies, amplify the voices of those who are not always heard, and continue being examples of integrity and patriotism.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Olawande charged the outgoing parliamentarians to rise to the challenges and responsibilities ahead with their unwavering passion.

He further reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for youth to thrive and unleash their potential, adding that the ministry is dedicated to expanding opportunities for youth empowerment, creating avenues for skill development, and supporting youth-led initiatives nationwide.

In her address, the outgoing Speaker of the 5th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Rt. Honourable Dr. Azeezat Yishawu, emphasized the importance of incorporating youth perspectives and contributions into various sectors of society.

She outlined key recommendations aimed at enhancing youth inclusion in governance, which, she said, involves creating opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making processes and leadership roles.

She also highlighted the necessity of improving youth employability by advocating for skill development programs and job creation initiatives tailored to meet the demands of the modern workforce.

Yishawu, who emphasised the critical role of youth in the health sector, stressed the need for them to access quality healthcare and health education.

On the issue of youth security, she called for strategic measures that ensure the safety and well-being of young individuals in their communities, stressing the need to empower Nigerian youth and create a more inclusive society that recognizes and harnesses their potential.