The federal government has seek alliance with state youth commissioners to influence their expertise in designing and implementing a wide range of comprehensive policies and initiatives aimed at effectively accelerating youth development across the country.
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, made the call on Friday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja at a consultative meeting with state commissioners of youth from all the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr. Jamila pointed the importance of a strong alliance approach that will involve synergy with the state commissioners and at the same time conducting in-depth consultations and analysis to ensure that the unique needs and challenges faced by young people in different states are fully reckoned in the development and execution of targeted strategies.
The Minister implored 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, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Reform, the National Youth Skills Programme, and the 30% Youth Quota for all Federal Appointments.
She further pleaded with them to take the programmes back to their states, engage communities, and ensure that young people fully benefit from these opportunities.
She went ahead to announced the proposed launch of the National Council on Youth, saying it will serve as a critical platform for coordination and collaboration among stakeholders in the youth development space.
“The council’s 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 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.
