The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has reiterated her ministry’s commitment to harnessing the creativity and potential of the Nigerian youth through targeted innovation programmes to equip them with entrepreneurial and vocational skills.
The minister made this commitment in her keynote address, Tuesday, on the occasion of 2023 Africa/National Youth Day Celebration, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, with the theme: ‘One Million Next Level is Knocking: Youth Led Movement that Transcends Borders’.
Dr Jamila said she acknowledged the challenges Nigerian youth face but recognised the power they possess to overcome, innovate, and lead Nigeria into a future of prosperity.
According to her, “We look around, we see the faces of tomorrow’s leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and artists. The dreams that you youth carry within you are the building blocks of a brighter and more promising Africa.”
To that extent, she said, it is crucial that they “foster an environment that nurtures these dreams, an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and fearlessness, hence, this year’s event adopts the African Union “1 Million Next Level is Knocking: Youth – Led Movement that Transcends Borders, the minister stressed.”
She said in line with sub – theme of the event, ‘Renewed Hope for the Youth: Harnessing our Creativity and Potential for National Development’, the federal government recognised that the youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; but are the leaders of today.
“It is our collective responsibility to provide them with the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary to turn their aspirations into reality. We must also address the challenges that hinder their progress; education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are not just privileges, they are fundamental rights that every young Nigeria deserves,” she said.
The minister noted that, there are also platforms like the Nigeria Youth Parliament where youth are trained in leadership and legislative procedures, adding that, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has also been a strategic implementation partner to the ministry.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of State Youth Development, Mr. Olawande Ayodele said the commitment to youth development has been steadfast, as evidenced by the policies and initiatives implemented by successive administration.
Olawande maintained that this collective effort reached a historic milestone when, in September 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared the 1st of November National Youth Day.
He called on Nigerians especially the stakeholders in the youth development to renew their commitment to the well – being, education, and empowerment of the youth.
