The Federal Government has called for a collective approach to effectively address the pressing challenges facing youth in Nigeria.
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made the call during a meeting with the Nigerian Youth Future Fund (NYFF), led by Dr. Onyeche Agbiti Douglas, at his office in Abuja.
Olawande outlined a vision for a sustainable framework that not only addresses immediate concerns but also empowers youth through skill development and entrepreneurship programmes.
“It is crucial to involve young people in leadership and community roles. We need to address the issue of how informal youth are overlooked in favor of their formal counterparts.
“I urge all political and social entities to prioritize youth empowerment, putting Nigeria first. I also call on international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and UNDP to support efforts to create a better future for the youth of Nigeria.
“There is a pressing need for strategic partnerships that focus on productive, meaningful outcomes rather than superficial projects. “We will overcome budget constraints to effectively fund youth-oriented initiatives,” he said.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, said in a statement that Ayodele explained that the meeting aims to foster collaboration between all stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs and community leaders, to create a sustainable environment where young people can prosper.
Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, Team Leader, emphasized NYFF's commitment to engaging Nigerian youth in current governance processes and future leadership roles. He highlighted ongoing and future initiatives aimed at empowering youth at local, national and international levels.
Encouraged the participation of young people in debates related to policies, tax reforms and bills, ensuring that they understand these issues and can actively participate in policy implementation.