Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has pledged to unlock more doors of opportunities for Nigerian youth that will bring more growth and development to the country.

This even as the government reaffirmed its commitment to professionalize the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to provide a strong base for youth workers just like other professional ministries such as the Federal Ministries of Health and of Education. 

Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim made this reaffirmation on Thursday while delivering her speech at the 2023 International Youth work Week an occasion organized by the Nigeria Youth Workers Association, (NYWA), with the theme ” Youth  Work in Every Place and space” which took place at Afolabi hall Federal Secretariat Abuja.

She expressed that the Ministry’s pillars, are to educate, engage, and empower the youth of the nation and will not relent in projecting it until they are all achieved.

According to her, the theme is a powerful call to action.  It challenges us to recognize the potential within our Youth,  irrespective of the setting they find themselves in  – be it the serene landscapes of parks, the nurturing environment of Youth centers,  compassionate halls of hospitals, or the vibrant classrooms of schools.

“It is in these varied spaces that the spirit of youth work thrives, and it is in these spaces that our future leaders and change-makers are shaped.”

Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that education is the cornerstone upon which nations are built, adding that the Youth Ministry recognizes it as the key that unlocks doors of opportunity. 

She informed the association that the Ministry is launching transformative programs such as Youth Training and Certification programs to equip the youth with the necessary skills for an evolving economy. 

Minister encouraged Nigerians to design platforms where youths can express their ideas, collaborate on projects, and find mentorship

Also, She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to providing the tools and resources necessary for youth to thrive, urging them to remember that Nigeria’s future lies in their hands, adding that while some may decide to leave the country, those who remain are entrusted with the noble responsibility of building the nation.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, Mr. Momoh Olugbenga underscored the importance of youth development to national prosperity and called on all youth workers in the country to come together to promote the interest of the youth. 

Alhaji Ismaila noted that no nation can afford to neglect its youth.  “Any country that neglects her youth does so at her own peril, that’s  why the federal government appointed two energetic youth as ministers to steer the affairs of the Ministry.” He said.

In his welcome address the President of the Nigeria Youth Workers Association (NYWA), Mr Ben Duntoye said the Youth Work Week is an annual celebration of Youth Work across the world which highlights the positive impact it has on young people. 

He said this year’s youth work week is being celebrated by his association to illuminate the contributions of  Youth Workers wherever they are.

 Mr. Duntoye said the Nigeria Youth Workers Association is the umbrella body for all youth workers and practitioners in Nigeria.

The NYWA President, however, pledged the unalloyed support of his Association to the Honourable Minister, and praised her commitment to the professionalization of youth work in Nigeria.

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