The Nigerian Minister of Youth Development says she is poised to revolutionise and reposition the ministry to the benefit of the Nigerian youth and the country at large.
The Minister of Youth Development in Nigeria, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim committed in a statement issued by the ministry in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Bio-Ibrahim reiterated its commitment to empowering the nation’s youth by creating enduring sustainable streams of opportunities for Nigerian Youths.
‘’ We are now at a pivotal moment where I can share the fruits of these foundational efforts. Our vision for Nigerian youth is not only ambitious but revolutionary, encompassing education, skills development, and empowerment across various sectors’’.
The Youth minister explained some of the policies and initiatives that have been set in motion to transform and engineer youth development in the country.
Some of the initiatives include, the “NextGen Bank” an initiative set to launch in April 2024, is a Retail development financial institution, which is a joint initiative with the Bank of Industry, private sector, and development partners, dedicated to empowering youth and youth-led ventures.
Other initiatives include Youth Villages, Restructured and Reinvigorated National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), and NYSC Reforms which aims at redefining the National Youth Service Corp as a comprehensive empowerment platform, focusing on employability and entrepreneurship to ensure graduates transition into dignified employment or entrepreneurial ventures post-service.
She also mentioned the Skills Programme for Non-graduates and At-Risk Youths, The Young Leaders’ Institute: In a significant stride towards cultivating a new echelon of visionary leaders, the Ministry of Youth Development is thrilled to announce the inception of the Young Leaders’ Institute.
Proposal on Mandatory 30% Youth Quota in Government Appointments, a landmark move towards empowering the Nigerian youth and integrating them into the fabric of our nation’s governance and policymaking.
Dr. Bio-Ibrahim said ‘’ I am committed to seeing this proposal become a reality, marking a new era of youth empowerment and participation in our beloved country’’.
The Minister also expressed her gratitude to the ministry development partners, the EU Commission, World Bank, Ford Foundation, Bank of Industry, AfDB, and the Africa Union – NEPAD and others for their support which has been instrumental in shaping the ministry’s transformative programmes.
Dominica Nwabufo
