Sports
FG Sets Up Committee On Review of National Youth Policy
In line with the timeline for the review of the National Youth Policy (NYP), the Federal Government has inaugurated a 27-man Committee to immediately commence work on the 2019-2023 National Youth Policy.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar while inaugurating the Committee on Wednesday in his office in Abuja, stated that the aim of setting up the Review Team by government was to ensure that the Ministry has a befitting Policy Document that will serve as a guide for the development of the nation’s teeming youth.
According to him, “The National Youth Policy, like other government policies, is the handbook of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development’s guide on youth development as it represents the declaration of the Nigerian Government to the practical support it intends to give to its youth.”
He stated further that the 2019-2023 Edition of the National Youth Policy is in the last lap of its journey, especially as the policy itself stipulates a 5-year periodic review, hence the need for the commencement of this process.
Alhaji Ismaila informed that part of the successes recorded in the implementation of the 2019-2023 Edition of the NYP by the Federal Government includesYouth inclusion, participation, and access to information, which enables them to know their rights.
The Ministry, in partnership with the Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector and International Agencies, he said, has through enlightenment and publicity, taken National Youth Policy to the grassroots.
He added that various programmes and projects were also implemented across the six geo-political zones in line with the policy thrust of government.
Ismaila explained that the periodic review of the NYP guidelines has become imperative, particularly due to the dynamic nature of human endeavour, which he emphasised is not static. “It is the dynamic nature that has prompted the review of the guidelines in human activities in order to get better results”, he added.
The Permanent Secretary observed that, there have been a lot of changes in the perception and actions of Nigerian youth towards government policies in the last five years, especially in this era of Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Besides, he said, “the age range of youth (15-29) in the current Edition of the NYP has generated a lot of debate and controversy, as it appears to fall short of Nigeria cum Africa youth age reality; thus the justification for the review to address the current situation.”
The Permanent Secretary noted that it is in view of these that the government approved the commencement of the review process with the formation and inauguration of the Committee, which is expected to work from now to February 2024.
While charging the Committee to bring their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that they produce a one stop shop Policy Document for implementation by government, he stated that other terms of reference for the Team is to amongst others; oversee the entire review process of the National Youth Policy 2024-2027 until its launching; ensure integration of youth concerns from each geo-political zone into the final policy document;ensure that the new policy is in tune with global trends;supervise the various consultations with stakeholders during the review process; as well as bring up anyother activity that will add value to the process.
Alhaji Ismaila commended all relevant stakeholders for their support in ensuring the success of previous reviews as well as implementation of the editions.
The Permanent Secretary therefore called on development partners and other relevant stakeholders to put all hands on deck, work assiduously and note “that it is our collective responsibility to continue to ensure youth issues are mainstreamed into National Agenda”.
He assured that the Ministry will not only continue to maintain open doors to partnerships and collaborations but also repose confidence on the ability of the team to live up to its task of producing a new Policy for Nigerian Youth in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee and Director, Education and Youth Development EYD), in the Ministry, Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed assured that the Committee will work tirelessly and also bring their wealth of experience to bear with a view to providing Nigeria with the best policy document in recent times for our teeming youth in line with global best practices.
He thanked the Federal Government for giving them the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Sports
NNL Chairman Promises Exciting Second Stanza
The Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has assured fans and stakeholders of a more competitive and well-organized second stanza of the season.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the 2025 Next Level Scouting event, held at the Turf Arena, Central Business District, Aluo emphasized that the league is committed to maintaining high standards.
The scourting event, organized in partnership with USYAK Academy, attracted over 10 scouts from around the world, all keen on discovering future football stars.
Aluo acknowledged that while the first stanza of the league had been successful, the second phase would be more challenging due to increased competition and desperation among clubs.
“We know the second stanza will be more difficult because desperation sets in. That’s why we need to closely monitor matches, ensuring officiating remains as fair and transparent as it was in the first phase. Clubs that deserve to win should win, whether playing at home or away.”
“Like in the first stanza, all our matches will be live on television and streaming platforms. We also want to improve match venues—some of the pitches are not up to standard.We’ve given clubs until the 28th of this month to upgrade their pitches or relocate to better venues because we want matches played in TV-friendly stadiums.”
Aluo praised referees for their efforts in ensuring credible officiating, which has contributed to the league’s growing popularity.
“I want to commend the referees for their job. It may not be 100% perfect, but officiating has been very good.
“Fans have also been wonderful, and their enthusiasm is attracting more people to NNL matches. We’re seeing crowds at NNL games almost as much as in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). That’s a great sign for our growth.”
Regarding the NNL Super 8, Aluo confirmed that while the venue is yet to be finalized, it will be announced before the end of the league season: “We’re happy with the progress of the league, and we believe the second stanza will be even better. As for the Super 8, the venue will be announced before the league concludes.”
He also expressed gratitude to the media for their role in promoting the league’s positive image: “I want to thank the media for their unwavering support. They have been instrumental in driving the league forward, and with their continued backing, we will take the NNL to the next level.”
With these assurances, fans can look forward to a thrilling and competitive second stanza, as teams battle for promotion, relegation and a place in the NNL Super 8.
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