Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the European Union (EU) delegation in Nigeria. This partnership aims to enhance youth programs and initiatives that promote self-reliance among young people, bridging the gap between them and the government.
During his visit to the EU delegation in Abuja, Olawande announced the formation of a strategic partnership focused on establishing the Youth Connect Hub. This initiative will provide young Nigerians with resources, mentorship, and training opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The hub is designed to empower youth to create sustainable businesses, driving economic growth and transformation in the nation.
The Minister commended the EU’s contribution to the Review of Nigeria’s National Youth Policy and solicited support for various Ministry initiatives. These include the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), training and skills building platforms, the Youth Help Desk, and other youth-focused initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Olawande emphasized the importance of young people’s engagement in leadership and governance programs. He advocated for their active participation in decision-making processes, stressing that this is essential for creating policies and initiatives that reflect their interests and concerns.
Ambassador-Designate of the EU and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, expressed strong commitment to supporting the Ministry’s initiatives. He assured that the EU will continue to provide assistance to the Nigerian government in areas aligned with its priorities.
