Maryam Aminu
The Federal Government has officially unveiled the Renewed Hope Youth Strategic Blueprint to donor agencies, signaling a major step toward harnessing Nigeria’s vast youth potential to drive economic transformation.
Speaking at the donor engagement meeting, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the critical role of young Nigerians in shaping the nation’s future.
“With over 70% of our population more than 130 million falling within the youth age bracket, Nigeria has a unique advantage for socio-economic transformation,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged that while this demographic strength presents opportunities, it also comes with challenges.
He stressed that strategic investments, innovation, and partnerships with donors would be key to overcoming obstacles and creating a thriving environment for young people.
Addressing the issue of youth unemployment, Olawande highlighted the impressive strides made by the current administration.
“The youth unemployment rate has dramatically decreased from 12.55% in 2020 to 5.84% in 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted policies and initiatives. However, despite this progress, it slightly increased to 6.5% in the second quarter of 2024. This underscores the need for sustained collaboration and investment in youth-focused programs,” he noted.
He called on donor agencies to recognize both the achievements and the need for continued efforts, emphasizing that innovative programs and skills development initiatives are critical in ensuring young people thrive in today’s competitive job market.
The Minister further underscored the importance of strengthening government institutions, including the Federal and State Ministries of Youth, the NYSC, and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), through organizational reforms and capacity-building. He stressed that these institutions must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century and serve as platforms for impactful youth development policies.
He also urged donors to support initiatives that reshape youth behavior and mindsets, particularly in an era dominated by social media and digital technology. With Nigeria’s population projected to hit 350 million by 2050, Olawande warned that the youth could either become a valuable global human resource or a burden to society if not properly equipped.
Key donor agencies at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth development initiatives in Nigeria.
Dr. Osubor Gregory, a representative of the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the organization’s unwavering dedication to empowering young people through innovative programs.
The African Development Bank is determined to ensure that every project directly benefits youth, fostering their growth and potential for a brighter future,” he stated.
Similarly, Ibrahim Suraju, representing the Islamic Bank, commended the Ministry’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development.
“The Islamic Bank is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance skill development, promote capacity-building, nurture entrepreneurship, and drive innovation. These elements are not just important they are essential catalysts for sustainable economic growth,” Suraju said.
The engagement marked a significant milestone in forging partnerships between the government and donor agencies to advance youth-focused policies and unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
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