National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration with state youth commissioners to harness their expertise in shaping and implementing policies aimed at accelerating youth development across Nigeria.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, made this appeal on Friday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, during a consultative meeting with youth commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Highlighting the need for a coordinated approach, Dr Ibrahim stressed the importance of engaging state commissioners in deep consultations and analyses to ensure that youth-focused strategies address the unique challenges faced by young people in different parts of the country.
“The success of our youth development initiatives depends on the synergy between federal and state governments. We need to ensure that the specific needs of our young people are factored into our policies,” the minister stated.
She encouraged the commissioners to actively participate in federal initiatives such as the Restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, the Presidential Initiatives on Youth Enterprise Clusters, the establishment of the National Youth Development Bank, the National Youth Skills Programme, the NYSC Reform, and the 30% Youth Quota for Federal Appointments.
Dr. Ibrahim urged the state officials to take these programs back to their communities, ensuring that young Nigerians fully benefit from the opportunities available.
Furthermore, the minister announced the upcoming launch of the National Council on Youth, which she described as a critical platform for coordination among stakeholders in the youth development sector.
“The National Council on Youth will include the minister, minister of state, permanent secretary, youth commissioners from all states and the FCT, as well as other key stakeholders,” she explained.
“This body will be pivotal in ensuring that our policies are implemented effectively,and that the voices of our youth are heard at the highest levels of government. I am eager to work closely with all of you on this council as we shape the future of youth development in Nigeria,” DDrIbrahim concluded
