By Joel Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has disclosed that more than 400,000 Nigerian youths have directly benefited from various government programmes and initiatives aimed at improving their lives under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, made this known on Monday in Abuja during a two-day Retreat on Presidential Priorities and Deliverables — 2025 Mid-Term Review.

He explained that the retreat was designed to encourage honest reflection on progress made in youth development while identifying areas requiring greater attention.

According to him, “We are here to review our work at midterm, assess our progress in delivering on the Presidential priorities, and renew our promise to the young people of Nigeria, who remain at the centre of our mandate.

“From the beginning, Mr. President charged us to turn policies into action and to make this Ministry a true place of hope and empowerment.”

Olawande highlighted the Ministry’s accomplishments in the second quarter of 2025: “Digital Skills Training: Targeted 10,000 youths but successfully trained 14,509. Mentorship, Internship, and Apprenticeship: Planned for 80,000 but reached 97,212 beneficiaries. Crime Reduction and Peace-Building: Set a goal of 2,500 but trained 5,023 youths. Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA): Over 250,000 youths actively engaged across NiYA Academy, NiYA Gigs, NiYA Jobs & Internship, and NiYA Community.

“Others include, Youth Help Desk: Received 5,745 cases, of which 3,447 (60%) have been resolved and 1,551 (27%) remain pending. Climate-Responsive Partnerships: Achieved the target of signing at least one MOU and delivered five tangible interventions on climate adaptation. Youth Centres’ Income Generation: Realized ₦31.6 million, surpassing the ₦11 million target.

“These results show that when we are focused and united, we can exceed expectations,” the Minister remarked.

Olawande also revealed that the Presidency has assigned the Ministry an expanded responsibility: to provide women, youths, and persons with disabilities greater access to economic resources, opportunities, and decision-making platforms.

“To deliver on this mandate, the Ministry will: Mainstream gender and disability needs into all youth programmes. Create special access within the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) for women and youths with disabilities. Strengthen partnerships with women’s groups, youth disability groups, and private sector stakeholders. Establish clear indicators to track inclusion and ensure no group is left behind.”

While progress has been commendable, the Minister admitted that urgent issues remain. These include: Speeding up operations of the National Youth Investment Fund to ensure direct disbursement to beneficiaries.

“Fast-tracking the Youth Bank Bill through stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the National Assembly. Improving reporting systems for better documentation and recognition of achievements.

Others are Expanding private sector partnerships to mobilize resources and opportunities. Reviving youth centres as hubs for innovation and training. Increasing female participation and representation across all programmes.

“My dear colleagues, these steps are not dreams but urgent needs,” Olawande charged. “Our young people are watching. They expect solutions, not excuses. Let us leave this retreat with renewed commitment to build on our gains, close the gaps, and deliver more in the months ahead.”

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, emphasized that the retreat was more than a gathering.

According to him, it was “a platform to renew our mandate and accelerate national development that will impact all citizens. It is also an opportunity for honest reflection and for sharpening the tools needed to bring more growth to Nigerian youth in all ramifications.”

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, CRDCU, Hadiza Bala, Mr. Ezeje Ezeje reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to Nigerian youths.

She noted that “under the present administration, every promise made to the youth is a promise kept.”

Also speaking at the retreat, the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Ms. Rinsola Abiola, assured that the Centre remains committed to working with the Ministry and other stakeholders to advance youth development.

She stated: “This retreat is both timely and strategic. It provides a unique platform to collectively review, align, and sharpen our focus on the priorities of Mr. President as captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda. More importantly, it allows us to deepen collaboration within the youth development sector to ensure that government policies translate into measurable impact in the lives of our young people.”

Abiola further disclosed that the CLTC trained more than 6,000 Nigerian youths in value orientation and re-orientation within the just-concluded half-year period.

She reiterated the Centre’s role in raising young Nigerians who are not only productive and innovative but also imbued with patriotism, service, and integrity.

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