By Stella Odueme
The Minister of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has emphasized the need for a collective approach to effectively tackle the pressing challenges facing the youth in Nigeria.
The Minister made this call during a meeting with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), led by Dr. Onyeche Agbiti Douglas, at his office in Abuja.
Comrade Olawande outlined a vision for a sustainable framework that not only addresses immediate concerns but also empowers young people through skills development and entrepreneurship programs.
“It is crucial to involve young people in leadership and community roles. We need to address the issue of informal youth being overlooked in favor of their formal counterparts.
“I urge all political and societal entities to prioritize the empowerment of young people, putting Nigeria first. I also call on international organizations, such as UNESCO and UNDP, to support efforts in creating a better future for Nigeria’s youth.
“There is a pressing need for strategic partnerships that focus on productive and meaningful outcomes instead of superficial projects. We will overcome budgetary constraints to effectively fund youth-oriented initiatives,” he stated.
Ayodele explained that the meeting aims to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders, to create a sustainable environment where young people can thrive.
Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, the team leader, emphasized the commitment of NYFF to engage Nigerian youth in current governance processes and future leadership roles.
She highlighted both ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at empowering young individuals at local, national, and international levels.
She encouraged youth participation in discussions related to policy, tax reforms, and legislative bills, ensuring they understand these topics and can actively engage in policy implementation.
