Youth advocate Lawal urges Minister Ibrahim to prioritize unemployment, quality education, others

Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development, a civil society organization, has commended the new youth minister, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, for her commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In a statement sent to journalists on Monday, Lawal commended the minister for her comment during her resumption in office that she would focus on ensuring Nigeria meets the SDGs.

The new minister is the immediate past Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara state governor on SDGs.

Lawal noted that her experience in the field will come in handy in her new position at the federal level.

He said: Dr. Ibrahim’s interest in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is exciting and commendable.

”She can lead the charge in ensuring these goals are integrated into the policies and programs designed for youth empowerment.

”The SDGs offer a comprehensive framework for addressing issues such as education, health, economic growth, and gender equality, which are critical for youth development.”

According to Lawal, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim’s appointment at the age of 37 demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the Nigerian youth. He believes that this appointme

His words: ”One of the most pressing issues facing Nigerian youth is unemployment. Dr. Ibrahim should prioritize creating and expanding initiatives that promote youth employment.

”This can be achieved through partnerships with the private sector to provide more job opportunities and support entrepreneurship programs that enable young people to start and grow their businesses. These initiatives could encompass skill development, mentorship programs, and access to capital.

”Also, quality education and skill development are fundamental to youth empowerment. The youth minister should work with her counterpart in the education ministry to improve the country’s education system, ensuring that it aligns with the demands of the job market.

”Additionally, investing in vocational and technical education can equip young people with practical skills that make them more employable. Scholarships, grants, and incentives can encourage youth to pursue education and training.”

He added that a crucial aspect of youth empowerment is ensuring gender equality and inclusion.

”The minister should focus on promoting gender mainstreaming by creating policies and programs that address gender disparities. By empowering young women and promoting their equal participation in all sectors, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its youth population,” he counselled. t sends a positive signal that the government is actively working to engage and empower young people.

Lawal, a youth advocate and Global Malala Fund Education Champion in 2020, further urged the new minister to prioritize critical issues affecting young people in Nigeria.

His words: ”One of the most pressing issues facing Nigerian youth is unemployment. Dr. Ibrahim should prioritize creating and expanding initiatives that promote youth employment.

”This can be achieved through partnerships with the private sector to provide more job opportunities and support entrepreneurship programs that enable young people to start and grow their businesses. These initiatives could encompass skill development, mentorship programs, and access to capital.

”Also, quality education and skill development are fundamental to youth empowerment. The youth minister should work with her counterpart in the education ministry to improve the country’s education system, ensuring that it aligns with the demands of the job market.

”Additionally, investing in vocational and technical education can equip young people with practical skills that make them more employable. Scholarships, grants, and incentives can encourage youth to pursue education and training.”

He added that a crucial aspect of youth empowerment is ensuring gender equality and inclusion.

”The minister should focus on promoting gender mainstreaming by creating policies and programs that address gender disparities. By empowering young women and promoting their equal participation in all sectors, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its youth population,” he counselled.