In continuation of his nationwide youth engagement tour, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, *Saturday,* visited Niger State, where he charged youth in the state to embrace innovation and be the catalyst for change.
The Minister, who was received by the Governor of the State, Farmer Muhammed Umar Bago, ably represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba; the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Yahaya Abdullahi Gulbin-Boka; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Nuhu Garba; and the executive members of the Nigeria Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), said he was in the State to listen to the youth and harvest their inputs into the ongoing plans and programs of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Upon arrival at the Legbo Kutigi International Conference Center, venue of the engagement, the minister commended the state governor for his innovative and focused leadership, particularly his decision to revive the state’s agricultural sector for enhanced food security in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the federal government.
Olawande thereafter introduced numerous initiatives of the Ministry of Youth Development to the youth of the state, emphasizing the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to holistic youth development that cater to the welfare of young people
Intimating the excited gathering of youth cutting across social backgrounds, including students, with the programs of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development so far; the minister made mention of several initiatives, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), an online learning platform; the Nigerian Youth Helpdesk; the Youth in Entertainment (YiE) initiative; the Corprenuer Support Scheme; as well as other youth-centered executive bills that have been signed into law by the President.
The minister also took time to motivate and encourage the youth to believe in themselves, emphasizing that nothing is unachievable, provided there is required unity and sense of purpose.
“This is our country, and it’s where our opportunities are. Already, the President has proven that the youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also leaders of today! We must be responsible and be ready to move our country forward,” Olawande stated.
The deputy governor, who commended the Minister for being practical enough in his engagements, encouraged him to continue to offer young people avenue and platforms to air their views, noting that young people mostly want to be listened to and seek opportunity to table their concerns.
The deputy governor further charged the minister to ensure the engagements extend to every part of the country; and that informal youths, who are majorly at the grassroots, are not left out.
He also advised the youth to be confident and to always endeavor to contribute their quota to national development by being efficient and productive in their different fields of endeavors.
The youth at the gathering, who reacted positively to the address of the Minister and the Deputy Governor, tabled key demands, including a request for extra support for industry-specific trainings, NYSC reforms, as well as incentives for youth engaged in agriculture.
The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Nuhu Garba, who gave a report of the activities of his ministry, noted that Niger state has been able to initiate several skill acquisition and food security programs for the youth, calling on the minister to use his office to mobilize additional support in order expand the various initiatives to reach more beneficiaries.
While responding to the requests made by participants, the Minister promised full support and commitment to the affairs of youth, not only in Niger State but across the country. He also promised to sustain the tradition of continuous engagement with the youth in order to ensure they have the right access to demand for the protection of their interests.
