Nigeria, Bangladesh Partner to Boost Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Maryam Aminu

In a move to strengthen ties and empower young people, Nigeria and Bangladesh have pledged to collaborate on youth empowerment initiatives, recognizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting in Abuja between the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Masudur Rahman, and the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Mr. Olusanya emphasized the government’s dedication to harnessing the potential of Nigerian youth for economic growth and national development.

“We are committed to initiatives that enhance the potential of Nigerian youth. The future lies in their hands, and we must empower them for a better tomorrow. Youth who are not trained can become a burden to society, and we are determined to prevent this. A well-empowered youth population is essential for Nigeria’s progress,” Olusanya stated.

He added that the Ministry sees great value in leveraging Bangladesh’s expertise to achieve its youth empowerment goals.

2nd from left is Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, the Permanent Secretary who represented the Minister of Youth Development, 3rd from left Masudur Rahman, during a courtesy visit by the government of Bangladesh to the Minister in his office.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Masudur Rahman, reiterated his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, particularly in areas of youth development.

He emphasized the importance of economic diversification and the need to tap into the potential of Nigerian youth at home and abroad.

“Nigerian youth are key to the country’s economic diversification efforts. Through this collaboration, we aim to create platforms for knowledge sharing, research exchange, and skills development in areas such as agriculture, technology, and business,” Rahman said.

He also pointed to Bangladesh’s success in economic diversification as a model Nigeria could adapt to expand its export base and promote value addition across various sectors.

This partnership marks a significant step toward fostering bilateral relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh, creating opportunities for youth empowerment, knowledge transfer, and sustainable economic growth.