Abuja:The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Youth Data Bank (NYDB), a secure platform designed to centralize and streamline youth information, facilitating targeted interventions for Nigerian youths.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the current dispersion of youth data across various institutions and databases, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s young population. This data bank aims to consolidate information regarding the youths’ locations, education, skills, and employment status, thereby answering critical questions about their needs and the effectiveness of governmental programs.
Mr. Olawande highlighted that the NYDB will guide government decisions, enhance program design, and ensure interventions effectively reach those in need. It will also identify skilled youths and connect them with employment, training, and business opportunities, with additional focus on young entrepreneurs and rural youths.
The initiative seeks collaboration from government bodies, private-sector organizations, and youth groups to ensure successful implementation. The participation of Nigerian youths in providing accurate data is crucial for the initiative’s success, with assurances that the collected data will be safeguarded and not used for political purposes.
Dr. Maryam Keshinro, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, underscored that the data bank would facilitate evidence-based policymaking and efficient program targeting. She called for strict data protection standards to maintain public confidence in the platform, urging collaboration from various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive youth inclusion.
Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, commended the initiative as a significant step towards a more responsive and inclusive approach to youth development. He acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and associated stakeholders in the initiative’s implementation.
The initiative aims to answer key questions about the identity, skills, and aspirations of Nigerian youths, supporting policy formulation and effective program design across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It promises improved youth development planning, better intervention targeting, and enhanced visibility of youth skills and talents, ultimately transforming youth data into actionable insights for coordinated planning and effective interventions.