The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has emphasised the need for a collective approach to effectively address the pressing challenges facing the country’s youth. Olawande made the call in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), led by Dr Onyeche Douglas, the team leader.
He outlined a vision for a sustainable framework that not only addressed immediate concerns but also empowered young people through skills development and entrepreneurship programmes.
In his words, “It is crucial to involve young people in leadership and community roles. We need to address the issue of informal youth being overlooked in favour 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 organisations, 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,” he added.
Also, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Omolara Esan, in a statement, said Ayodele explained that the meeting aims to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders, to create a sustainable environment where young people can thrive.
Dr Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, the team leader, emphasised the commitment of NYFF to engage Nigerian youth in current governance processes and future leadership roles. She highlighted both ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at empowering young individuals at local, national, and international levels.
She encouraged youth participation in discussions related to policy, tax reforms, and legislative bills, ensuring they understand these topics and can actively engage in policy implementation.