Maryam Aminu
In a bid to reverse decades of neglect, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Olawande, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to protect, empower, and support Nigerian youth across both formal and informal sectors.
Speaking passionately during a media parley with ministry correspondents on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister declared that it is “time for the youth to progress” after being overlooked for over 40 years.
The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating confidence in young people by appointing a youth to head the Ministry of Youth Development, calling it a groundbreaking decision that symbolizes a new dawn for the country’s youth.
Highlighting the Ministry’s bold initiatives, Olawande shared a vision for transformational projects designed to uplift millions of young Nigerians from unemployment to job creators. These initiatives include the Youth Bank, Youth Trust Fund, Nigerian Youth Academy, Nigerian Youth Help Desk, and the innovative One Youth 2 Skills program, among others.
In a major announcement, he revealed that the Nigerian Youth Academy, the Ministry’s equivalent of Coursera, will be launched in January. This online learning platform will provide Nigerian youth with access to quality education in their preferred languages, fostering skill acquisition and professional growth.
“We want to ensure that young people in both urban and rural areas can learn and grow in their chosen fields,” he said, adding that the academy will cater to formal youths and serve as a bridge to global opportunities.
Olawande also emphasized plans to establish Greenhouses in every local government, a groundbreaking initiative to empower young entrepreneurs. These greenhouses will produce goods from raw materials found within local communities, creating self-reliant economies and reducing dependence on imports.
“We want the greenhouses to be impactful, to reflect the strengths of each local government. Every community has something unique to offer, and we are harnessing that potential for economic growth,” he stated.
The Minister unveiled another key project, the Youth Activities Dashboard, an interactive platform designed to collate and showcase all government initiatives targeting youth empowerment.
“This dashboard will ensure transparency and accurate information. No more fake stories or unfounded claims. Nigerian youth can now track and engage with government programs directly,” he announced.
While lauding the efforts of the current administration, Olawande urged Nigerian youth to reject political distractions and embrace the opportunities being created. “Don’t let political gamblers deceive you. The present administration, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to giving you the tools to thrive in life,” he advised.
The Minister’s renewed hope initiatives, paired with a commitment to innovation and transparency, promise to usher in a brighter and more prosperous future for Nigerian youth.
Africa Security Investigation News 