As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks one year in office, Nigerians examined his achievements during the year, as well as those of the members of his cabinet. This has also led many to ask questions concerning the achievements of one the youngest and most engaging member of the cabinet, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande.
Engr. Olawande has been a driving force in empowering young Nigerians. Since his appointment and assumption of duty on October 18, 2024, he has implemented various initiatives aimed at unlocking the potentials of Nigerian youth. This article, therefore, highlights his success stories and the impact of his efforts on Nigerian youth so far.
Youth Engagement :
Engr. Olawande has emphasized the importance of youth engagement as an inclusive approach to afford youth the opportunity to get involved in shaping solutions to address the peculiar challenges confronting young people. He has met with various youth stakeholders across the country, encouraging them to be ambassadors of positivity and to actively participate in community forums and grassroots initiatives. His efforts have led to a renewed sense of hope among Nigerian youths.
To ensure the youth have the platform to responsibly table grievances and complaints, the Minister recently, in collaboration with the Minister of State for Police Affairs, launched an initiative tagged, “Nigerian Youth Help Desk,” which would enable the ministry to receive, process and escalate complaints from Nigerian youth and also serve as a feedback platform.
Nigerian Youth Academy :
The Minister launched the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a free online platform for vocational training and skill development for young people. This initiative has improved the skills of numerous Nigerian youth.
As part of the NiYA initiative, there is a planned “Green Houses” initiative to cater to the interest of informal youth at the grassroots across 774 local government areas; offering vocational training and orientation to informal youth. This initiative aims to empower marginalized young people.
The Minister’s initiatives have positively impacted Nigerian youth, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility. His efforts have created opportunities for young people to participate in shaping their future. As the Minister continues to work towards empowering the youth, Nigeria can expect a brighter future for generations to come.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs :
Olawande has also launched several programs to support young entrepreneurs, providing access to funding, mentorship, and training. This has enabled many young Nigerians to turn their business ideas into reality, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Digital Skills Training :
Recognizing the importance of digital skills in today’s economy, the Minister has established programs to train young Nigerians in areas such as coding, data analysis, and digital marketing. This has so far equipped them with the skills needed to compete in the global job market.
Youth-Led Community Development:
The Honourable Minister has encouraged young Nigerians to take ownership of community development projects, providing support and resources to enable them to drive positive change in their communities, which has led to the implementation of various projects, including education and healthcare initiatives.
Olawande’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians has been inspiring. His initiatives have demonstrated the potential for positive impact when youths are given the opportunity to thrive.
As he continues to work towards creating a brighter future for Nigerian youths, his legacy is sure to endure.
By Dayo Joseph
