By Stella Odueme
The federal government has taken comprehensive and proactive approach in addressing the challenges facing young people in Nigeria by commencing the process of a thorough review of the youth development policy.
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, disclosed the initiative during an interactive session with critical stakeholders from the 36 States including FCT in Abuja.
The session, themed ‘Leadership and Public Policy: Grassroot Mobilisers – The Challenges and Remedies through Remodeling’, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development.
A statement by the Director of Press & Public Relations,
Omolara Esan said Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the need for input from all critical stakeholders before presenting the draft of the Youth Development Policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
“The government aims to involve all relevant parties in the process of establishing sustainable solutions to the prevalent issues, particularly by ensuring accessible financial resources for the younger generation, meaningful inclusion of youth, and addressing the requirements of individuals with special needs.
“We cannot progress without a comprehensive Youth Development Policy. Upon our arrival, we encountered an outdated policy, prompting us to devise programs and initiatives that actively engage young people and allow them to influence policy decisions.
“The current administration is committed to fostering trust between young people and the government. To achieve this synergy, we must wholeheartedly be committed to delivering on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Initiatives” as promised”, she stated.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on People with Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Abbah Isah, stressed that 40 percent of Nigerian youth living with disabilities face significant hardships, including limited access to basic social amenities, economic instability leading to financial hardship, and inadequate healthcare services.
He also highlighted other challenges that this group encounters on a daily basis.
Abah expressed appreciation for Mr. President’s unwavering dedication to ensure that all segments of society receive the necessary support and attention within the framework of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of his administration.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, thanked the participants and stated that the interactive session will be a continuous engagement with critical stakeholders across the country.
