The federal government has called for collaboration with state youth commissioners to leverage their expertise in designing and implementing a wide range of comprehensive policies and initiatives aimed at effectively accelerating youth development across the country.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, made the call Friday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during a consultative meeting with state commissioners of youth from all the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The minister stated the importance of a robust collaborative approach that will involve synergy with the state commissioners, conducting in-depth consultations and analysis to ensure that the unique needs and challenges faced by young people in different states are fully accounted for in the development and execution of targeted strategies.
She invited 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 urged them to take the programmes back to their states, engage communities, and ensure that young people fully benefit from these opportunities.
The minister also 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.
She said, “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.
