Youth Minister Calls for Digital Transformation in Public Service to Boost Youth Development

Maryam Aminu

In a bold move to modernize youth engagement in Nigeria, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has urged civil servants across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to embrace digital solutions for enhanced efficiency and impact.

Speaking at a UNESCO-organized workshop on Digital Transformation, which brought together staff from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Olawande emphasized the transformative power of technology in public service.

He stressed that integrating digital tools into youth-focused initiatives is essential to ensuring that young Nigerians are not left behind in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

“In this digital age, we have an incredible opportunity to engage, educate, and uplift our youth like never before. It is imperative that we evolve and harness these tools to create a more inclusive and impactful youth development framework,” Olawande stated.

The Minister called on civil servants to proactively incorporate modern technology into their programs, proposing the establishment of dedicated youth desks in all MDAs.

This, he noted, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a more engaged and responsive youth ministry.

He further advocated for the expansion of the “Digital for All” program, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, to include all civil servants.

According to him, this initiative will equip public sector workers with the necessary digital skills to drive efficiency and enhance service delivery.

Olawande commended UNESCO’s efforts in promoting digital transformation within the civil service, acknowledging that such initiatives would revolutionize governance, improve efficiency, and foster better engagement with citizens.

While seeking stronger ties with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Minister emphasized the power of digital solutions in shaping the future of youth development. “Together, we can harness the power of technology to create a brighter future for the youth of today and tomorrow,” he concluded.