The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has urged Youth Commissioners across Nigeria’s 36 states to initiate grassroots empowerment programs aimed at transforming the lives of young people.
The minister made the call during a courtesy visit by the Forum of State Youth Commissioners to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The delegation was led by the Forum’s Chairman, Mr. Gold Adedayo, who also serves as the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Ekiti State.
“As someone who has benefitted from homegrown initiatives, I can confidently say that every program I have initiated since my time as Minister of State for Youth has received sponsorship from NGOs and relevant agencies,” Olawande said. “What you do to transform the lives of the youth in your state will stand as a testament to your leadership, even after you leave office.”
The visit built on prior discussions held in Lagos, where the Minister and the Forum agreed on key action points to improve youth development across the country.
Mr. Adedayo outlined three major areas in which the Forum sought the Minister’s support:
Provision of a Dedicated Conference Room within the Ministry’s premises in Abuja to serve as the Forum’s headquarters.
Facilitation of State Engagements to enhance collaboration and implementation of youth-focused programs.
Support for Regular Meetings, starting with a forthcoming session in Bayelsa State.
“These are the essential building blocks needed to ensure the success of our youth development programs across the country,” Adedayo said.
Welcoming the delegation, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to supporting the Forum and all initiatives that uplift Nigerian youth.