The Federal Government has called for robust collaboration with State Youth Commissioners for the development and implementation of a wide range of comprehensive policies and initiatives aimed at accelerating youth development across the country.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim, made the call in Abuja during a consultative meeting with Commissioners of Youth from all 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.
According to her, the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to finding local solutions to national challenges, hence the need to engage the State Commissioners to get their perspective and inputs on some of the Federal Government policies for youth in the country.
She emphasised the importance of a robust collaborative approach that would involve synergy with the State Commissioners to ensure harmonisation of the federal and state government’s policies for enhanced national development.
“This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to youth development; we are here to strengthen our efforts, align our strategies, and ensure that our policies genuinely reflect the aspirations of the youth we serve,” Ibrahim stated.
The Minister noted that the ongoing review of the National Youth Policy 2023-2028 is a critical framework for addressing the diverse needs of Nigerian youth. She also stressed the importance of adapting the policy to the unique circumstances of each state through a series of zonal consultations.
“Our goal is to ensure that this policy is not just a document but a living framework that responds to the local realities of our young people,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.
“I urge all commissioners to actively participate in the consultations and bring forward the voices and priorities of your states,” she said.
The Minister called on the Commissioners to join the Federal Government in all its policies and initiatives, such as the Restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, the Presidential Initiatives on Youth Enterprise Clusters, the establishment of the National Youth Development Bank, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Reform, the National Youth Skills Programme, and the 30% Youth Quota for all Federal Appointments.
She urged them to take these programmes back to their states, engage communities, and ensure that young people fully benefit from these opportunities.
While urging the Commissioners to also align their state-level youth programmes with national priorities under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ibrahim stressed the need for a coordinated approach to maximise the impact of youth development efforts across the country.
Meanwhile, Jamila announced the proposed launch of the National Council on Youth, which will serve as a critical platform for coordination and collaboration among stakeholders in the youth development space.
According to her, “the council composition includes the Minister, Minister of State, Permanent Secretary, Commissioners of Youth from all States and the FCT, and other key stakeholders in the Ministry.”
“This body will play a central role in ensuring that our policies are effectively implemented and that the voices of our youth are heard at the highest levels of government. I look forward to working closely with all of you on this council as we chart a united path for youth development in Nigeria,” she stated.
The FCT Youth Mandate Secretary, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, and the Commissioner of Oyo State, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, stressed the importance of the consultative meeting as a vital opportunity to launch impactful youth empowerment programmes at both the state and federal levels.
In an interview, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Wasilat Adefemi, described the consultative meeting as a crucial step in fostering synergy between the federal and state governments.
While noting that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has prioritised youth empowerment, added the meeting provided state commissioners with vital information beyond what is typically seen on social media and in news headlines, enhancing their understanding of youth-related issues.
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