The Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development in the country.
The Minister made the disclosure on wednesday in Abuja when the Secretary-General, Pan-African Youth Union (PAYU), Ahmed Wiisichong led some members of his Association and Presidents of West African National Youth Councils on a courtesy visit to him in his office.
According to him, Nigeria has a bulging number of youth that is massive, close to 90 million and as such, government will continue to invest in them with a view to empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country.
Dare noted that the African Development Bank (AfDB) puts it that at least 12 to 13 million Nigerians or African youth are going into the job market every year, stating further that some of them become enterpreneurs, some survive by dint of hardwork, some get recruited to be terrorists, while others get recruited into cyber crimes, among others
The Minister who added that the present administration sees investment in its youth as critical, stressed the need for constant engagements by governments of the sub regions with the youth so as to give them a voice in governance, as partners in the development of the continent.
He called on the youth to take advantage of the opportunities provided by modern technology to develop themselves for enterpreneurship, self reliance and employability, in order to take the continent to the expected height.
The Minister who stated that the massive youth population was not a problem but a great resource to every government, assured that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration will continue to create an enabling environment for its youth to explore their potentials and compete favourably with their peers across the globe
He further called on relevant stakeholders and philanthropists to continue to invest in the youth for the betterment of the continent.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary General of Pan African Youth Union, Ahmed Wiisichong, stated that they were in the country for a Youth Security Summit which brought together 250 delegates from different countries.
He assured that youth across the West African Sub-region will take advantage of modern technology to enhance their skills and competencies to ensure inclusiveness in economic development and governance in their respective countries.
Mr. Wisiichong thanked the Nigerian government for their support that ensured a successful hosting of the Summit in the country.
