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FG Pledges To Unlock More Doors of Opportunities For Nigerian Youth

Published

3 years ago

November 10, 2023

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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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

10 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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