By Stella Odueme
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim has disclosed that over one million young Nigerians will benefit from the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) to avail them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.
Ibrahim gave the disclosure in Abuja during the 25th Nigeria Democracy Day Anniversary Youth Programme organized to celebrate the country’s 25th Democracy Day, with the theme: “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the Future.”
She revealed that the ministry is currently drafting bills for the National Assembly to institutionalize a 30 percent youth quota, restructure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), and establish the National Youth Fund (NYF).
“These legislative actions will solidify Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and ensure sustainable development,” she explained.
According to the Minister, the restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will commence its call for entries by June 30, 2024, adding that the ministry has already streamlined the process to ensure more young entrepreneurs can access the funds they need to innovate and create jobs.
Ibrahim stated further that the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) and the implementation of the NYSC reforms will also begin by July 30, 2024, explaining that the reforms will integrate skill development and entrepreneurship into the service year, making it more impactful and economically beneficial for the graduates.
“The Youth Development Bank will be launched by August 30th, 2024. This bank will provide tailored financial services to youth-led ventures, supporting innovative ideas and business growth.”, Jamila added.
Regarding the Young Leaders’ Institute, the Minister declared that the institute will be launched by August 30th, 2024 to nurture the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to excel.
“The future of Nigeria is in your hands, and together, we will build a nation where the achievements of young people are the norm, not the exception. Let us move forward confidently, knowing that our plans are strategic, our implementation is diligent, and our commitment to empowering the youth is unwavering,” she added.
The Special guest at the event, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe in his goodwill message, expressed sincere gratitude to the Minister for her forward-thinking initiatives and well-crafted policies aimed at empowering and preparing the youth to assume significant leadership roles in the future. He said the initiative indicates that the younger generation is enthusiastic and ready to take charge by embracing forward-thinking concepts and leveraging modern technology, even though their generation may not have had prior exposure to it.
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Ahmed Umar, said that the Federal Government is fully committed to ensuring the successful implementation of all youth development programs.
He emphasized that these programmes are poised to bring about a positive and tangible impact on the lives of the youth thereby catalyzing a transformative change in their well-being and future prospects.
