Youth Minister Dr. Bio meets with Commissioners for Youth, calls for Harmonization of Youth Programs 

Oru Leonard

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, met with State Commissioners of Youth Ministries across Nigeria at Abuja on Friday where called for stronger collaboration and harmonization of the federal and state governments to accelerate youth development across Nigeria.

Dr. Ibrahim who emphasized the importance of unity in advancing the welfare and potential of the nation’s youth, welcoming the participants and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with state commissioners in pursuit of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to create a brighter future for young Nigerians.

“This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to youth development, we are here to strengthen our efforts, align our strategies, and ensure that our policies genuinely reflect the aspirations of the youth we serve.” She stated.

The Minister noted that the ongoing review of the National Youth Policy 2023-2028, is a critical framework for addressing the diverse needs of Nigerian youth. She then stressed the importance of adapting the policy to the unique circumstances of each state through a series of zonal consultations.

“Our goal is to ensure that this policy is not just a document but a living framework that responds to the local realities of our young people,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.

“I urge all commissioners to actively participate in the consultations and bring forward the voices and priorities of your states.”

She also highlighted several significant youth-focused programmes and initiatives under the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Tinubu, designed to empower young Nigerians and provide opportunities for growth and development:

She mentioned The Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) Programme, The 3 Million Technical Talents Scheme,The Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) and The National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP). She said the restructuring of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) is now endowed with 110 billion Naira.

“We are committed to transforming the NYIF into a permanent national resource that will empower Nigerian youth for generations to come,” Dr. Ibrahim said, as she disclosed that there is an ongoing legislative efforts to institutionalize the fund.

The Minister announced several other key initiatives aimed at fostering youth development which includes Presidential Initiative on Youth Enterprise Clusters (PIYEC):Targeting the creation of 2 million jobs through strategic business clusters across various sectors, including agroforestry, with initial support from Niger and Katsina States.

Establishment of the National Youth Development Bank initiative is a dedicated financial institution to support youth-owned enterprises, particularly those not covered under existing commercial loan regimes.

Others include Reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Aimed at making the NYSC experience more impactful, financially rewarding, and sustainable, beyond its role in promoting national integration and Launch of the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) Supported by international partners, including the European Union, this programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with contemporary skills and prepare them for future job markets.

Dr. Ibrahim revealed plans to launch the National Council on Youth, a platform for coordination and collaboration among stakeholders in youth development. The Council will include key figures such as the Honourable Minister and Honourable Minister of State, the Permanent Secretary, and Commissioners of Youth from all states and the FCT.

“This Council will ensure that our policies are effectively implemented and that the voices of our youth are heard at the highest levels of government,” she explained.

Dr. Ibrahim called on the commissioners to also align their state-level youth programmes with national priorities under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

She emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to maximize the impact of youth development efforts across the country.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with a shared commitment to furthering youth development through strengthened partnerships and strategic collaboration across all levels of government.

In an interview with journalists, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Wasilat Adefemi, expressed optimism about the consultative meeting with the Minister of Youth, describing it as a crucial step in fostering synergy between the federal and state governments.

Hon. Adefemi noted that the meeting provided state commissioners with vital information beyond what is typically seen on social media and in news headlines, enhancing their understanding of youth-related issues.