The Nigerian Government is taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to tackle the challenges facing young people by thoroughly reviewing the national youth development policy. This initiative was disclosed by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, during an interactive session with key stakeholders from the 36 states, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The session, themed “Leadership and Public Policy: Grassroot Mobilisers – The Challenges and Remedies through Remodeling,” underscored the government’s dedication to youth development. Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of incorporating feedback from all critical stakeholders before submitting the draft of the Youth Development Policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval. The government’s aim is to involve all relevant parties in creating sustainable solutions to current issues, ensuring accessible financial resources for the youth, promoting their meaningful inclusion, and addressing the needs of individuals with special requirements.
“We cannot progress without a comprehensive Youth Development Policy. Upon our arrival, we encountered an outdated policy, prompting us to devise programs and initiatives that actively engage young people and allow them to influence policy decisions,” Dr. Ibrahim stated. She further highlighted the administration’s commitment to building trust between young people and the government. “To achieve this synergy, we must wholeheartedly commit to delivering on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Initiatives’ as promised,” she added.
Hon. Abbah Isah, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on People with Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, pointed out that 40 percent of Nigerian youth with disabilities face significant hardships, including limited access to basic social amenities, economic instability leading to financial difficulties, and inadequate healthcare services. He detailed the daily challenges faced by this demographic and expressed appreciation for the President’s unwavering dedication to ensuring all societal segments receive the necessary support and attention within the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of his administration.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, thanked the participants and stated that this interactive session marks the beginning of continuous engagement with critical stakeholders across the country.