Maryam Aminu
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, has added another feather to her cap after emerging as the recipient of the African Trailblazer Merit Award for Strategic Public Service and Administrative Governance, in recognition of her transformational leadership, administrative reforms and unwavering commitment to youth development in Nigeria.
The honour was announced in a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Omolara Esan, who said the award was conferred by the Unveiling African Parliament Writers Network (UAPWN), a coalition of print, broadcast and digital journalists drawn from six African countries, to celebrate outstanding public officials driving impactful governance across the continent.
According to the statement, the organisers said Dr. Keshinro distinguished herself through visionary leadership, policy innovation and a people-focused approach that has strengthened institutional performance, improved public service delivery and expanded opportunities for young Nigerians.
The award committee particularly highlighted her strategic interventions in repositioning the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including sustained advocacy for increased funding and the rehabilitation and upgrade of orientation camp facilities nationwide. The efforts, it noted, have enhanced the welfare and safety of corps members while improving the operational efficiency of the scheme.
Dr. Keshinro was equally praised for deepening collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, state and local governments, development partners and civil society organisations to broaden access to vocational training, digital skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and youth employability programmes.
Describing her leadership as exemplary, the organisers said Dr. Keshinro has consistently combined administrative excellence with compassion, inclusiveness and accountability, creating a governance model that has inspired confidence among staff, stakeholders and development partners.
The African Trailblazer Merit Award is one of the flagship recognitions under the African Legislative Excellence Merit Awards, an initiative established to honour individuals, institutions and organisations making remarkable contributions to good governance, democratic growth and people-centred service delivery across Africa.
As part of the recognition, Dr. Keshinro will also feature in the maiden edition of the forthcoming African Trailblazers Magazine, a continental publication showcasing exceptional leaders, innovative ideas and transformative development initiatives.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development congratulated the Permanent Secretary on the prestigious honour, describing the award as a testament to her dedication to excellence, while reaffirming its commitment to implementing policies and programmes that empower Nigerian youths, strengthen public institutions and accelerate sustainable national development.
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