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FG Pledges To Unlock More Doors of Opportunities For Nigerian Youth
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.
News
AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs
By James Samuel, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.
This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.
“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.
“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”
He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.
“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.
He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.
“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.
She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.
The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.
The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.
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