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Nigeria @ 64: Olawande Outlines Key Youth-based Interventions

Published

2 weeks ago

September 30, 2024

…Urges sustained belief in the ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra

By Joel Ajayi

1st October of every year is a moment for all Nigerians to commemorate the nation’s Independence Day. Typically, this is accompanied by the display of National accomplishments through time.

It was just after midnight in Lagos, on a horse-racing track turned square, when Nigeria’s new white and green flag was hoisted officially for the first time, replacing Britain’s Union Jack.

Several hours later, on the morning of October 1, 1960, a representative of Queen Elizabeth II handed Nigeria’s constitution over to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the country’s new prime Minister.

Before being granted Independence by the Colonial masters, Nigerians of the time faced myriads of obstacles in struggling for self-determination, a move that eventually paid off in 1960 in which we are celebrating sixty-four of independence today.

Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidency is sparing no efforts, despite the series of challenges ranging from insecurity to unemployment.

As part of his commitment to put smiles on the faces of many Nigerians, especially the youth, he has initiated transformative policies and reforms aimed at correcting the missteps of the past and repositioning Nigeria as an economic superpower soon.

Despite global economic headwinds and the transitional pains accompanying some of the reforms, the President has remained focused in his efforts towards reviving our economy and returning the country to the path of prosperity and sustainable growth.

That is why he appointed technocrats to supervise the Youth ministry, having known the importance of the vibrant young Nigerians.

As at today, these Ministers are trying their best, especially the Minister for State, Ministry of Youth Development Mr Ayodele Olawande who has weathered the storm toward the betterment of every Nigerian youth.

Based on this, in the spirit of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the Ministry of Youth Development highlighted the key interventions of the current administration, for the Nigerian youth.

Speaking at a press briefing during the weekend in Abuja, Olawande urged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, assuring that better days lie ahead.

Mr. Olawande noted that the President’s appointments predominantly reflect the inclusion of children of average Nigerians, thereby promoting equal opportunities. “This underscores the President’s desire to build a nation where no one is denied opportunities based on their background.”

According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to fulfilling every promise he made to the youth. During his campaign, he vowed to prioritize youth inclusion in governance, and he has kept that promise. He approved a specific percentage for youth representation in his government, which has been implemented. Several young individuals have also been appointed as Directors-General, Executive Secretaries, and Chairpersons of agencies, parastatals, and boards.

In addition to youth inclusion in governance, the Minister highlighted other initiatives launched by the Tinubu administration to support young Nigerians. “The President has initiated the Student Loan Scheme, which enables Nigerian youth to access quality education without financial constraints. He has also approved the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), which will provide young people with relevant skills to enhance their participation in business and the job market.”

Mr. Olawande continued, “As we confront the challenge of youth unemployment, the President believes that about 75% of job seekers can find opportunities within the growing MSME sector and through rapid initiatives at the Bank of Industry (BOI).”

“Recognizing the digital potential of Nigerian youth, the government also launched the ‘Digital Literacy for All’ (DL4ALL) program, which aims to train over 30 million young Nigerians in digital skills, in partnership with NYSC and NITDA.”

The Minister further mentioned the recent approval of a Youth House in Abuja, which will serve as a platform for youth to express their abilities, explore their passions, and identify their self-identity.

He also reminded the audience of the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), with an initial capital of N110 billion, designed to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs and startups.

Speaking further, Olawande stated the Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), is set to distribute 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to Nigerian youth.

According to the Minister, “I have just concluded a meeting regarding a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Presidential Initiative on CNG, and the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria for a Tricycle Empowerment Programme targeting youths in the informal sector.”

He further stated, “On Tuesday, October 1st, we will launch the first phase of the project, distributing 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to young people engaged in the transportation sector by the end of the year. This initiative will ensure that tricycle riders, who are predominantly youth, will spend only 20% of what they currently spend on petrol. This will improve their profit margins and reduce transportation costs for passengers.”

Mr. Olawande also appealed to Nigerian youths to embrace the various government initiatives, stressing that the future of the country lies in the hands of its youth. He emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering the younger generation, stating, “As our forefathers fought for the independence of this nation, it is our responsibility as the youth to preserve its unity for future generations. We must not allow ourselves to be used as agents of destruction under any circumstances.”

In his welcoming address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Ojo, explained the purpose of the press briefing, saying, “The essence of today’s briefing is to highlight the achievements of the Ministry. Yes, as youths, we deserve a lot, and that is why we demand a lot. But the present administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, has shown commitment to meeting the needs of Nigerian youth.

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Minister of State Petroleum join forces with FRSC on Road Safety Campaign

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In what seems to be another milestone in inter-agency collaboration, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Oil) have reached a compromise to begin a robust partnership, geared towards intensifying existing efforts embedded in the campaign for safer roads in Nigeria.

The partnership was birthed during the visit of the Corps Marshal FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, to the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri in his office on Monday 14 October 2024.

In the course of the conversation that ensued, the Honourable Minister assured the Corps Marshal of his ministry’s readiness to partner with the Corps in the campaign for safer roads in Nigeria.

While congratulating the Corps Marshal on his well deserved appointment, the Minister expressed optimism that with the inauguration of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NRSS), by the Vice President last week, stakeholders would work harmoniously to ensure safety on the nation’s highways. He commended the FRSC for its commitment to road safety as evidenced by the successes recorded in the areas of Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme, Drivers certification and other public enlightenment programs that have led to drastic reduction in the rate of road traffic crashes.

The Minister however, expressed concerns with frequent cases of crashes involving petroleum tankers some of which resulted in fire incidents with great loses to lives and property. He further stressed that even as the Ministry would have preferred that the use of pipelines as veritable means of transporting the petroleum products, the current hazards as well as the cost implications involved in replacing the pipes have made that impracticable at the moment. He therefore solicited the support of the FRSC to properly streamline the activities of drivers at the depots with a view to ensuring that only tankers that meet the minimum safety standards load the petroleum products from such facilities.

The Minister expressed the willingness of the Ministry to support the FRSC with logistics and training to enhance the capacity and efficiency of its personnel in road traffic management.
Earlier in his remarks, the Corps Marshal commended the Minister for the positive reforms being embarked upon in petroleum industry in Nigeria by the current leadership. He noted the existing peace and harmony in the Niger Delta areas and requested for collaboration for sustained peace and development in the oil industry.

The Corps disclosed that as part of the FRSC’s commitment to safety in movement of petroleum products, personnel of the Corps are being deployed to major depots across the country to ensure compliance to safety rules and regulations with particular reference with the policy on safe to load. He requested the Minister to assist the Corps with some logistics including patrol vehicles and ambulance for enhanced road surveillance and prompt response to distress calls.

The meeting which had in attendance some Directors of the Ministry of petroleum also has some principal officers of the FRSC in attendance with both sides agreeing on the need to sustain the partnership for safety on the nation’s highways and stability in the transportation of the petroleum products.

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