NBBTF Facilitates Nigeria and Bangladesh Partnership to Strengthen Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Oru Leonard
The Nigeria Bangladesh Business Technology Forum (NBBTF), on Friday facilitate a partnership on Youth Development between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Bangladesh. This has reaffirmed commitment by both countries to empowering Nigerian youth, recognizing their critical role in shaping the future.
This commitment was emphasized during a courtesy visit by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Masudur Rahman, to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja. The Minister was represented at the meeting by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Mr. Olusanya highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to unlocking the innovative and productive potential of Nigerian youth as a means of driving economic growth.
“For us in the Ministry, we are committed to embracing any initiative that enhances the potential of Nigerian youth. The future lies in their hands, and we will do everything possible to transform their lives for a better tomorrow. Youth who are not trained can become a burden to society, and we are determined to prevent such an outcome. A well-empowered youth population is crucial for Nigeria’s progress,” Olusanya stated.
He further noted that the Ministry sees significant value in leveraging the expertise of Bangladesh to achieve its vision for youth empowerment and economic development.
On his part, the Bangladesh High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Masudur Rahman, reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria in the area of youth development. He emphasized the importance of economic diversification and the need to unlock the untapped potential of Nigerian youth both at home and in the diaspora.
“Nigerian youth are pivotal to the country’s economic diversification efforts. Through this collaboration, we hope to create platforms for knowledge sharing, research exchange, and skills development in critical areas such as agriculture, technology, and business,” Mr. Rahman stated.
He also highlighted Bangladesh’s successful diversification model as an example Nigeria could adopt to expand its export base and promote value addition in various sectors.
Also Speaking, The president of NBBTF, Architect Bob Achanya, stressed the need for Nigeria to establish closer ties among Youths of both countries as there are similarities in economic trends.
He presented a 5 year Development plan and appealed for a desk office in the Youth Ministry to facilitate it’s achievement.
This partnership marks a significant step toward fostering bilateral relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh creating opportunities for youth empowerment, knowledge transfer, and sustainable economic growth.
Cover Photo Caption: L-R; President of the Nigerian Youth Organization (NYO), Comrade Duke Alamboye, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, the Permanent Secretary who represented the Minister of Youth Development, High Commissioner of Bangladesh,Masudur Rahman and NBBTF President during a courtesy visit on 24/01/2025.
