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NYDB Technical Committee Presents Game-Changing Proposal to Youth Minister for Empowering Nigerian Youth

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Technical Committee of the National Youth Development Bank (NYDB) met with the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, to present a groundbreaking proposal aimed at tackling the funding and inclusion challenges faced by young Nigerians.

The proposal seeks to empower the youth and enhance their opportunities for development.

During the high-level presentation in Abuja, the Co-Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, outlined strategic initiatives designed to provide financial support, skill development, and innovative funding solutions tailored to the needs of young people. He added that the proposal seeks to bridge the gap between youth-driven enterprises and sustainable financial resources, fostering long-term economic impact.

Mr. Okhaimo explained that, with Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population, the country is at a critical juncture where economic empowerment and financial inclusion are essential to unlocking the full potential of its young citizens.

“The Bank’s mandate is based on the recognition that access to finance is one of the most significant barriers preventing Nigerian youth from actively participating in business, innovation, and wealth creation,” he said.

He further emphasized that the NYDB will adopt a diverse funding approach, with the Bank being majority-owned by the Federal Government.

The NYDB structure will also accommodate additional funding from various sources in subsequent years, including government allocations, development finance institutions, private sector contributions, and innovative financing mechanisms such as youth intervention funds, concessional loans, and blended finance models.

In his response, the Honourable Minister, Comrade Ayodele Olawande commended the committee’s efforts and reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young Nigerians.

He emphasized the importance of financial empowerment in reducing unemployment and promoting innovation across various sectors.
Comrade Olawande expressed optimism about the next steps in realizing the proposed initiatives and collaborations, which he said are expected to effectively refine and implement the proposal.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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