The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious youth empowerment plan aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s dynamic youth population.
The plan was announced during a roundtable discussion between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and key Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), themed “Empowering Nigerian Youths for National Development: From Promises to Progress.”
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, outlined the plan, which includes the creation of a Youth Development Bank to provide tailored financial support for youth-led enterprises, reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and institutionalisation of quarterly CSO-government dialogues.
“A Youth Development Bank will be a major catalyst,” Olawande stated, emphasizing the need for sustainable structures that give young people access to funding and entrepreneurial support. He lauded Nigerian youths as global trailblazers in technology, education, medicine, agriculture, and the creative industries.
The Minister announced plans for a 30-day National Youth Confab, an inclusive platform for policy dialogue, innovation, and grassroots participation. “It’s time our young people start engaging the legislative, judiciary, and executive arms constructively,” he added.
Hamzat B. Lawal, Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE), reinforced the Minister’s call for action, urging stakeholders to align youth policies with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that Nigerian youth face systemic inequities despite being pioneers of innovation.
CODE proposed policy actions, including institutionalized dialogue, state-level harmonization, and expanded youth financing. Hassana Maina, founder of the Anti-Sexual Violence Support Initiative (ASVOL), emphasized the need to address the pervasive impact of sexual violence on women’s participation in public life.
The roundtable concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to working together to ensure Nigerian youths are fully engaged in shaping the nation’s development agenda. With unified voices, bold ideas, and a collaborative spirit, the gathering signaled a renewed drive to turn promises into lasting progress.
The proposed Youth Development Bank is expected to provide accessible financing options for young entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their businesses and create jobs. This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of promoting economic growth and reducing unemployment among youths.
Moreover, the reform of the NYSC aims to make the program more relevant and effective in preparing young Nigerians for the workforce. The proposed changes are expected to enhance the program’s impact on national development and youth empowerment.
The institutionalization of quarterly CSO-government dialogues will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in youth development. This will enable the government to tap into the expertise and insights of CSOs and the private sector, ensuring that youth policies are informed by diverse perspectives.
By working together, the Federal Government and CSOs can unlock the potential of Nigerian youths and drive national progress. The roundtable discussion marked an important step towards achieving this goal, and stakeholders are optimistic about the prospects for meaningful change.
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