Pan-African Youth Union backs Youth Minister’s empowerment initiatives

The Pan-African Youth Union has expressed support for Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praising his efforts towards youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation across the country.

In a statement, the Vice President, West Africa, of the organisation, Oladele John Nihi, commended the minister’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people and positioning Nigeria as a hub for youth excellence and innovation.

According to the statement, the minister has demonstrated dedication to youth development through several intervention programmes aimed at job creation, entrepreneurship support, and skills acquisition.

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Among the initiatives highlighted by the union are the Youth Entrepreneurship Fund, which is supporting thousands of young business owners; the National Youth Mentorship Initiative, designed to connect youths with industry leaders; and Vocational Training Centres established to equip young Nigerians with marketable skills.

The statement also referenced the NiYA Startup initiative, which focuses on funding and mentoring youth-led startups across different sectors of the economy.

The Pan-African Youth Union noted that the programmes align with broader continental goals of empowering young people to become drivers of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

The organisation further called on Nigerians to support the minister’s vision, stressing that greater collaboration would help create more opportunities for youths and strengthen national development efforts.