Youth Minister Urges State Commissioners to Launch Empowerment Initiatives

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development as the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, called on Youth Commissioners across Nigeria to initiate impactful empowerment programs in their respective states.

Comrade Olawande made the call during a courtesy visit by the Forum of State Youth Commissioners to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The delegation, led by Mr. Gold Adedayo, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in Ekiti State and Chairman of the Forum, was warmly received by the Minister and senior officials of the Ministry.

In a statement by Omolara Esan, Director of Information & Public Relations, she emphasized that the meeting underscores the Ministry’s drive to deepen state-level collaborations for national youth engagement.

“As someone who has benefitted from homegrown initiatives, I can confidently say that every program I have initiated since my time as Minister of State for Youth has received sponsorship from NGOs and relevant agencies,” Olawande stated.

“What you do to transform the lives of the youth in your state will stand as a testament to your leadership, even after you leave office.”

In response, Mr. Adedayo acknowledged the Minister’s continued support and recalled an earlier engagement in Lagos that led to the formulation of key action points.

He highlighted three major requests from the Forum: the establishment of a dedicated conference room within the Ministry to serve as its Abuja headquarters, facilitation of inter-state collaboration on youth initiatives, and the commencement of regular meetings beginning with a planned session in Bayelsa.

“These are the essential building blocks needed to ensure the success of our youth development programs across the country,” Adedayo affirmed.

Also speaking at the event, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, assured the Forum of the Ministry’s full backing, noting that collaborative efforts remain central to uplifting young Nigerians and securing their future