Abuja: Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to adopting policies recommended by Nigerian youths. Speaking at the Valedictory Sitting of the 5th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament held in Abuja, Olawande emphasized the crucial role young people play in shaping the nation’s future and demonstrated a genuine willingness to listen to their insights and perspectives.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP), as a veritable platform, has allowed young people to air their views and promote meaningful participation in governance. The Minister highlighted the NYP as a flagship program of the Ministry, inaugurated and institutionalized in August 2008 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. It has run four sessions of two years each and has equipped 436 youth with skills in legislative processes and collective decision-making.
As the tenure in the NYP concludes, the Minister urged the youth to remain vig
ilant and continue advocating for their rights. He stressed the administration’s commitment to a 30% quota for youth and women representatives in governance, encouraging outgoing parliamentarians to rise to future challenges with unwavering passion.
The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reiterated the President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for youth empowerment. The Ministry is dedicated to expanding opportunities for skill development and supporting youth-led initiatives nationwide.
The outgoing Speaker of the 5th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Rt. Honourable Dr. Azeezat Yishawu, emphasized the importance of incorporating youth perspectives into various sectors. She outlined recommendations for enhancing youth inclusion in governance, advocating for skill development programs and job creation initiatives.
Dr. Yishawu also discussed the critical role of youth in the health sector, stressing the need
for access to quality healthcare and health education. She addressed youth security, seeking strategic measures to ensure the safety and well-being of young individuals in their communities. Her recommendations aim to empower Nigerian youth and create a more inclusive society that harnesses their potential.