The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has emphasised the need for a collective approach to effectively tackle the pressing challenges facing the youth in the country.
He said this recently during a meeting with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), led by Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, in his office in Abuja.
A press statement signed by the director of information and public relations of the Ministry, Omolara Esan, quoted the minister as saying that “a vision for a sustainable framework that not only addresses immediate concerns but also empowers young people through skills development and entrepreneurship programmes.”
The statement read in part, “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 prioritise 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.”
The minister said the meeting aimed to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders, to create a sustainable environment where young people can thrive.
The team leader, Dr. Agbiti-Douglas, emphasised the commitment of NYFF to engage Nigerian youth in current governance processes and future leadership roles.
