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Africa/National Youth Day: Olawande Urges Nigerian Youth to Embrace 21st Century Skills
By Joel Ajayi
As Nigeria joins the rest of Africa to celebrate the 2024 Africa/National Youth Day, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has urged young Nigerians to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century. Addressing thousands of Nigerian youths during a road show in Abuja, he emphasized the critical role of modern skills in securing a brighter future for both individuals and the nation.
This year’s celebration, themed “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century” and subtitled “Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth,” is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of relevant skills and resilience in education.
According to Minister Olawande, the future is already here, and Nigerian youth must embrace essential skills to increase their employability and actively contribute to the nation’s development. He expressed optimism that, despite Nigeria’s challenges, the country’s large and dynamic youth population has the potential to build a prosperous future.
“Despite our diversity and challenges, we are united by a common goal to build a better Nigeria,” Olawande said. “Our differences—whether political, religious, or ethnic—should not divide us. Instead, we should work together to secure our future, aiming for a Nigeria we can all be proud of.”
Olawande noted the importance of educational reform in addressing the gaps in the current curriculum. He urged collaboration across sectors to ensure that Nigerian youth are equipped with practical skills that match the demands of a changing world.
“Nigerian youth need 21st-century skills to face today’s realities. Education is not just about the classroom but about equipping young people to navigate the world with confidence. We need to rethink our curriculum to focus on practical, relevant skills,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, the Minister highlighted the role of collaborative efforts between youth and educational bodies in guiding students towards a prosperous path. He stressed that building a resilient future for the youth will require continuous commitment and systemic change.
He emphasized, “A Rome wasn’t built in a day, and transforming our education system won’t happen overnight. We must address challenges from the roots, starting with a renewed focus on primary and secondary education that emphasizes mental health, critical thinking, and skills development.”
Minister Olawande reiterated his ministry’s dedication to collaborating with all sectors to create opportunities for young Nigerians, including those in informal sectors, to gain basic education and practical skills.
“Education is for all Nigerian youth,” he said. “Whether formal or informal, each young person deserves access to the skills needed to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.”
As the nation marks Africa/National Youth Day, the Minister’s message to Nigerian youth is clear: the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. By embracing the skills of the 21st century, Nigeria’s young generation can help pave the way for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
News
Nigerian women beg Tinubu for more political slots
… Promise they won’t disappoint
Miffed by the disparity in political appointments under the current administration, Nigerian women have pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to allocate more slots to Nigerian women.
Organisers of 2024 MMS Women of Fortune Hall of Fame Induction and International Women’s leadership summit, made the appeal at the event in Abuja on Wednesday.
Chairman of the occasion and Chairperson Blue Economy Nigeria Ltd, Lami Tumaka, who made the appeal, equally frowned at the marginalisation and disparity against women in political appointments.
The former NIMASA Director, said that the trust of the induction is for the inclusivity of women in appointive position.
Tagged; “Influencing Policies and Upscaling Capacity in Digital Economy, she explained that the women’s leadership summit is to mobilise Nigerian women.
Asked how the current administration has carried women along, she argued that they have tried but should do more, adding: “I don’t want to talk about this administration so that it won’t look as if I am criticising. I think we are achieving something. We are struggling, fighting to prove that we can do it. We want to sit on that big table like our men counterparts because we have something to offer.
“This administration is not doing badly, but the government can do better. They have done well especially in the involvement of youths. There are so many young people in this women including women. But there are many other women that have something to offer who should be involved. Nigerian women are demanding for more political slots,” she pleaded.
On the reasons behind the event, Mrs Tumaka, said: “The biggest takeaway will be inclusivity and giving equal opportunity not just to the women but also to the physically challenged.
“It is all about inclusivity, it’s gender parity and it’s meant to give competent women more opportunities. Giving them opportunities is not about doing so because they are women but because they are competent, capable and able enough to stand on their own.
“It is also about mentorship for the younger ones, coaching them and government enacting and following up on policies that are gender friendly to encourage women participation in all spheres be it politics.
“We keep talking about reserving certain percentage of political appointments to the women, but it must be based on competent and capacity to bring something to the table.
We want to encourage the participation of women in all spheres of Nigeria economy,” she said.
Similarly, a retired Deputy Director in NIMASA, Mary Hammad, urged Nigerians not to use the behaviour of other women that performed below expectations in their previous appointments to judge the women.
“We should not just pick on the women. We should not use the women undergoing investigation in the Humanitarian Affairs ministry and other places as a yardstick to judge women.
“Men have equally been having issues but it has not attracted attention like the one involving women. It is wrong to deny the women their right and what belongs to them because of the coincidence,” she appealed.
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