By Youth Development: Minister to Meet All Critical Stakeholders Soon
The Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has announced the intention of his ministry to organise a meeting of all critical stakeholders in the area of youth development in the next few days. The minister made this known today, August 22nd 2019, while giving his keynote address at the 2019 International Youth Day celebrations, with the theme “Transforming Education”, in Abuja.
In his first official public assignment after his being sworn-in into office by President Muhammadu Buhari less than 24 hours earlier, the minister delivered his address to the attendees, which comprised of representatives of international partners on youth development, administrators, youth groups and serving corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Mr. Dare said President Buhari acknowledges that “the Youth constitutes the driving force of the Nigeria economy, the spirit of today, and the hope of the future.”
He therefore said, the Federal Government is more than ever before committed to giving the Nigerian Youth the necessary tools to enable them achieve their goals and to contribute significantly to nation building.
On the meeting of the critical stakeholders, the Minister pointedly mentioned the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), which is currently engulfed in a crisis.
“As a practical demonstration to this cause,” he said. “I will in a couple of days convene a meeting of critical stakeholders in the area of youth development. Unity of minds and purpose must drive our engagements going forward.
“In this way, the youth organisations and in particular, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, will be refocused to complement the efforts of Government to expand reach and advance the cause of transforming education among our youths.
“Furthermore, Government will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to adequately empower the youth; enhance youth civic engagement and participation in the political processes and in decision-making as well as established institutions.”
Mr. Dare also used the opportunity to assure the Nigerian Youth that the Federal Government will continue to uphold the ten guiding principles of human rights, gender equality, sustainability, national ownership and leadership, participation, innovation, South-South cooperation, volunteerism, inter-generational knowledge-sharing and working by, with, and for young people.
“Today, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari rededicates itself to deepening youth development, provides enabling environment. This President is committed to lifting our youths out of unemployment,” he added.
The event witnessed the goodwill messages from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the NYSC and other international and national organisations.
