The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering youth empowerment and bridging the gap between young people and government through collaborative partnerships. This pledge came during a meeting with the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, led by Ambassador-Designate, His Excellency Mr. Gautier Mignot.
During the high-level meeting, the Minister commended the EU for its significant contributions to youth development in Nigeria. Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, the Minister emphasized the importance of programs that promote self-reliance and meaningful engagement with governance.
The Minister presented a comprehensive overview of several initiatives under the Ministry’s purview, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a skill-building and training platform, and the Youth Helpdesk, which serves as a support system for addressing youth challenges. These, alongside other youth-focused initiatives, are central to the administration’s strategy for equipping Nigerian youth with the skills and resources necessary for national development.
In addition, the Minister called for EU support in advancing youth leadership and governance programs, which aim to empower young Nigerians to participate actively in decision-making processes. The need for a review and effective implementation of the National Youth Policy was also stressed, as a means to address the unique needs and aspirations of Nigerian youth.
Ambassador Mignot expressed the EU’s readiness to deepen its partnership with the Nigerian government, affirming its commitment to supporting youth-centered programs and initiatives that align with Nigeria’s developmental priorities.
“We recognize the importance of empowering Nigeria’s vibrant youth population. The EU is keen to support programs that build capacity and create sustainable opportunities for the country’s young people,” said Ambassador Mignot.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties agreeing to strengthen collaboration and leverage shared expertise to drive impactful youth development programs. This renewed partnership is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader goals of fostering economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.
The Minister expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Together with the European Union, we can create transformative opportunities for Nigerian youth, empowering them to thrive and actively contribute to nation-building.”
