Maryam Aminu
The Federal Government has unveiled four strategic thematic areas as cornerstones for the development of Nigerian youth, focusing on empowerment, skill enhancement, and economic transformation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th National Council on Youth Development held in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya, emphasized the significance of these priorities in shaping the future of Nigerian youth.
Themed “Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyse Economic Development,” the event brought together policymakers, stakeholders, and youth advocates to deliberate on actionable strategies for sustainable youth development.
Olusanya outlined the four thematic areas: Governance, Jobs, Skills, and Innovation, Cultural and Behavioral Change, and Human Capital Development as pivotal to creating a thriving and inclusive society.
“Governance provides the foundation for effective systems and policies that enable youth participation and engagement. Jobs, Skills, and Innovation focus on fostering employment opportunities that stimulate economic growth. Cultural and Behavioral Change promotes societal enrichment through the arts, heritage preservation, and cultivating positive attitudes, while Human Capital Development underscores the imperative of investing in youth as our most valuable resource,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary urged participants to engage actively in discussions, share innovative ideas, and align with these thematic areas to ensure holistic and inclusive outcomes from the council’s technical sessions.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Sports Development in Borno State, Hon. Comrade Saina Buba, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for hosting the council meeting in the state.
He highlighted the need for learning, relearning, and unlearning to realize a Nigeria that aligns with the aspirations of its youth.
The 7th National Council on Youth Development is set to produce actionable recommendations to empower Nigerian youth and position them as catalysts for national economic development.
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