Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for youths to thrive and unleash their potentials.
This is as he also assured of the ministry’s dedication to expanding opportunities for youth empowerment, creating avenues for skill development and supporting youth-led initiatives nationwide.
Comrade Olawande who further disclosed that the present administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fully committed to adopting policies that have been thoughtfully recommended by the nation’s youths, made the disclosure during the valedictory sitting of the 5th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, which took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The minister emphasised that the initiative acknowledged the crucial role young people play in shaping the future and demonstrates a genuine willingness to listen to their insights and perspectives.
According to the minister, the Nigerian Youth Parliament, as a veritable platform, had allowed young people to air their views and promote meaningful participation in governance.
“The NYP is a flagship program of the ministry, which was inaugurated and institutionalised in August 2008 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. It has run four sessions of two years each and has produced 436 youth requisite skills in legislative processes and rudiments of collective decision making.
“As you conclude your tenure in the NYP and with the commitment of Mr. President’s administration to a 30% quota for youth and women representatives in governance, I urge you to remain vigilant and continue to advocate for the rights of the youth, champion inclusive policies, amplify the voices of those who are not always heard, continue being examples of integrity and patriotism,” he stated.
The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, charged the outgoing parliamentarians to rise to the challenges and responsibilities ahead with their unwavering passion.
He further reiterated Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for youths to thrive and unleash their potentials, adding that the ministry is dedicated to expanding opportunities for youth empowerment, creating avenues for skill development, and supporting youth-led initiatives nationwide.
The outgoing speaker of the 5th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Rt. Honourable Dr. Azeezat Yishawu, emphasised the importance of incorporating youth perspectives and contributions into various sectors of society.
She outlined several key recommendations aimed at enhancing youth inclusion in governance, which she said involves creating opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making processes and leadership roles.
She also highlighted the necessity of improving youth employability by advocating for skill development programs and job creation initiatives tailored to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Furthermore, Dr. Yishawu discussed the critical role of youths in the health sector, stressing the need to access quality healthcare and health education for young people.
Lastly, she also addressed the issue of youth security, seeking for strategic measures that ensure the safety and well-being of young individuals in their communities. Overall, her recommendations aimed to empower Nigerian youths and create a more inclusive society that recognises and harnesses their potentials.
