Federal Government Partners with EU to Launch Major Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Maryam Aminu

In a landmark move to empower Nigerian youth and foster self-reliance, the Federal Government has announced a strategic partnership with the European Union (EU) focused on advancing youth programmes that bridge the gap between young Nigerians and the government.

The initiative was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during his recent visit to the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS in Abuja.

Comrade Olawande emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through this collaboration with the EU, spotlighting the establishment of the Youth Connect Hub as a major step forward.

The hub, designed to equip young Nigerians with essential resources, mentorship, and training, aims to nurture innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and drive economic transformation nationwide.

“The Youth Connect Hub will empower youth to innovate and create sustainable businesses, ultimately driving economic growth and transformation in the nation,” Olawande stated, underscoring the initiative’s potential to reshape the future of Nigeria’s young population.

The Minister also praised the EU’s contribution to the ongoing review of Nigeria’s National Youth Policy, emphasizing its vital role in refining policies that shape the nation’s youth landscape.

He appealed for continued EU support for various Ministry-led initiatives, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a skills-building platform, and the Youth Helpdesk, which serves as a resource center for youth-oriented support. These initiatives are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to uplift and engage Nigerian youth.

Beyond economic empowerment, Olawande stressed the importance of young people participating actively in governance and leadership, advocating that their voices in decision-making processes are essential for crafting policies that align with their aspirations.

The EU’s Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to supporting the Ministry’s initiatives.

He assured that the EU would provide assistance to ensure these youth programs align with Nigeria’s development priorities.

This collaboration between the Federal Government and the EU promises to bring new opportunities to Nigeria’s youth, positioning them as central drivers of economic and social progress in the years to come.