By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called on stakeholders to create platforms that empower and protect young people.
The Minister made this appeal while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-radicalization Programmes (NIYEEDEP), led by Comrade Kennedy Iyere, in his office in Abuja.
According to Comrade Olawande, the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is committed to collaborating with NIYEEDEP to establish platforms that foster youth empowerment, employment, and protection.
A statement by Director, Press & Public Relations, Mrs Omolara Esan on Wednesday said that the minister emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and renewable energy to drive youth-led innovation, enabling young people to excel in their various fields.
“I am confident in your team’s ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently to address the challenges facing Nigerian youth,” Olawande stated.
He implored the team to prioritize actionable steps over prolonged discussions, noting that empowering youth early is essential to preventing societal challenges.
In his response, Comrade Kennedy Iyere highlighted the youth population as Nigeria’s greatest asset, surpassing even the nation’s oil resources.
“There is a growing concern about youth exclusion, which fosters frustration and a sense of alienation, often leading to negative outcomes. It is imperative to engage youth constructively to harness their potential for national development. Collaborative programmes and strategic recruitment into various sectors will ensure that youth become integral stakeholders in Nigeria’s future, fostering stability and growth,” Iyere explained.
He also acknowledged the support of the American Grant Writers Association and their expertise in fundraising.
According to Iyere, this partnership aims to secure resources for youth engagement initiatives that will channel their energy into productive avenues.
