By Stella Odueme
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has approved the establishment of ‘Youth House’ in Abuja, an innovative gathering place created to address the needs of young individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, made the announcement today, during a press conference at his office in Abuja.
Engr. Olawande explained that the Youth House, which would serve as a meeting point for young people from diverse backgrounds, fulfills a long-standing desire for such a landmark.
“What the President has accomplished is to provide all Nigerian youth with another platform for social interaction and an opportunity to discover their self-identity and passions. With the ‘Youth House’ now established, many young people will have the chance to effectively showcase their talents and abilities.”
“For a long time, various youth stakeholders and groups have been calling for a significant building in the nation’s capital to function as a ‘Youth House,’ but this desire has gone unfulfilled. Now, our youth-supporting President has made this a reality, and Nigerian youth are grateful.”
He said detailed organogram and functions of the Youth House would be released in due course, adding that the goal of the house would be to help the youth develop important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, cooperation and communication.
“I want to emphasize that the Youth House will not only be in the FCT, but there will also be a Youth Centre in every state of the Federation, along with a corresponding Youth Green House to be situated within the secretariats of all the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Although these won’t be large structures, they will help us achieve our goal of bringing the government closer to the youth at every level to promote fairness and enhance the administration’s commitment to implementing youth programs and policies inclusively,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the initiative would involve the Youth House in FCT, the Youth Centre in State Capitals, and the Youth Green House in all the LGAs. The initiative will be coordinated in partnership with the NDE and private sector players to facilitate opportunities for all categories of youth.
Olawande commended the President for his ongoing support for the youth of Nigeria, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda has tangibly benefitted Nigerian youth, with the President giving priority to youth issues.
He emphasized that the leader of the nation will continue to do more for the youth, and all he asks for is our patience and support.
