News
FG Launches First NiYA Youth Ambassadors in Akwa Ibom at National Youth Day Celebration
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has officially launched the NiYA Ambassador Programme in Akwa Ibom State, a landmark initiative to strengthen youth engagement and grassroots participation in national development.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of ARISE Youth Skills Week 2025 in Uyo, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development described the launch of the ambassador programme as a strategic move to bring Federal youth programmes closer to communities.
Under the initiative, two youth ambassadors will be appointed in each local government area to promote key programmes of the Ministry, including the Bamboo Youth Empowerment Scheme, the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), and Digital Literacy For All (DL4ALL).
“To the young people here today: You are not just the future, you are the present. Your ideas, energy, and courage have the power to transform Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He praised the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government in organizing the celebration and commended the Akwa Ibom Youth Skills Pitch Challenge, calling it “a model for other states.”
“Giving young people the platform to present their ideas and receive support is one of the most impactful ways to empower them. This is real, practical development,” he added.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of technology and innovation in today’s economy, noting that skills in AI and digital tools are now critical across sectors like farming, healthcare, fashion, education, and music.
Drawing from lessons learned during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, he called for stronger support systems to help young innovators turn their ideas into viable businesses.
As part of its ARISE Agenda for human capital development, the Akwa Ibom State Government hosted the grand finale of ARISE Youth Skills Week on Monday, July 14, in Uyo.
Themed “Harnessing Youth Skills for Economic Growth and Innovation,” the event featured a dynamic panel discussion with leaders in agriculture, healthcare, tourism, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.
Representing the Executive Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering young people through access, innovation, and opportunity.
A major highlight of the day was the AI and Digital Skills Pitching Competition, where 15-year-old Ephraim Asuquo emerged overall winner with his innovative agricultural technology project, AGROCAD, earning a ₦1 million cash prize.
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with state governments to ensure that young Nigerians are skilled, empowered, and ready to compete globally.
News
Namibian APRM Delegation Visits AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria on Peer Learning Mission
Joel Ajayi
The Ambassador and Chief Executive Officer of the APRM National Secretariat, Namibia, Ambassador Lineekela Mboti, has led a delegation, including officials from the APRM Continental Secretariat, on a visit to the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi, in Abuja.
The visit was aimed at gaining deeper insight into the operational structure of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Nigeria, its reporting lines, challenges, and the advantages of integrating the AUDA-NEPAD and APRM structures under a unified system.
Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi provided an overview of Nigeria’s implementation framework, highlighting the synergy between AUDA-NEPAD and APRM in advancing governance and development outcomes.
He commended the Namibian team’s commitment to institutional learning and assured them of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria’s readiness to provide the necessary technical support and guidance to strengthen APRM operations in Namibia.
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