FG Reaffirms Commitment To Inclusive National Youth Policy Review As Southwest Stakeholders Meet In Akure

Maryam Aminu

Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s Southwest geopolitical zone on Thursday converged in Akure, Ondo State, as the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and forward-looking review of the National Youth Policy (2019–2023).

The two-day Southwest Zonal Consultative Meeting, convened by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is part of a nationwide engagement process aimed at producing a renewed policy framework that reflects the realities and aspirations of young Nigerians.

Speaking at the meeting held from February 20–21, 2026, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Director of Education, Youth and Development, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, said the review process would be participatory and evidence-based.

Olawande described the National Youth Policy as the central framework guiding youth empowerment, participation in governance, education, skills development, employment, health, innovation and social inclusion across the country.

He noted that since its adoption, the policy has significantly shaped youth-focused interventions nationwide.

According to him, the review has become necessary in view of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving social, economic and technological landscape.
“The objective is to ensure that the policy remains responsive to emerging realities, addresses present and future challenges, and reflects the aspirations of Nigerian youth,” he said.

The Minister described the Southwest as a region of immense demographic strength, rich cultural heritage and significant economic potential, stressing that contributions from stakeholders in the zone would be critical in producing a revised policy that is inclusive, practical, regionally adaptable and nationally coherent.

He explained that the consultative forum provides an opportunity for robust engagement, enabling participants to identify gaps in the existing policy and put forward evidence-based recommendations.

He urged youth representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, academics and government officials to actively participate in shaping a comprehensive and impactful policy document.
Olawande further disclosed that the revised policy would align with relevant regional and international frameworks, including the African Youth Charter, in line with global best practices in youth development.

In her remarks, the Director of Youth, Mrs. Olukemi Okukpe, who represented the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Henry Owoyofunmi, commended the Federal Ministry for adopting a consultative approach. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth development initiatives.

The Southwest engagement is one of several zonal consultations being held nationwide as part of efforts to deliver a responsive and future-ready National Youth Policy for Nigeria’s growing youth population.