One million young Nigerians are set to benefit from the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP), Youth Development Minister Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim said yesterday.
The programme will avail them the opportunity to sharpen their skills on how to thrive in the modern economy.
The minister spoke in Abuja during the 25th Nigeria Democracy Day Anniversary Youth Programme organised to celebrate the 25th anniversary of democratic rule titled: “25 years of enduring democracy: Prospects for the future”.
She revealed that the ministry was currently drafting bills for the National Assembly to institutionalise a 30 per cent youth quota, restructure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) and establish the National Youth Fund (NYF).
According to a statement by the Director of Press/Public Relations of the ministry, Omolara Esan, the minister said: “These legislative actions will solidify the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and ensure sustainable development”.
She said the restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will commence its call for entries by 30 June 2024, adding that the ministry has already streamlined the process to ensure more young entrepreneurs can access the funds they need to innovate and create jobs.
The minister stated that the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) and the implementation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reforms will also begin by 30 July 2024, explaining that the reforms will integrate skill development and entrepreneurship into the service year, making it more impactful and economically beneficial for the graduates.
“The Youth Development Bank will be launched by 30 August 2024. This bank will provide tailored financial services to youth-led ventures, supporting innovative ideas and business growth”, the minister added.
Regarding the Young Leaders’ Institute, the minister declared that the institute will be launched by 30th August 2024 to nurture the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to excel.
She said: “The future of Nigeria is in your hands, and together, we will build a nation where the achievements of young people are the norm, not the exception. Let us move forward confidently, knowing that our plans are strategic, our implementation is diligent, and our commitment to empowering the youth is unwavering”.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe expressed gratitude to the minister for her forward-thinking initiatives and well-crafted policies aimed at empowering and preparing the youth to assume significant leadership roles in the future.
He said the initiative showed that the younger generation was enthusiastic and ready to take charge by embracing forward-thinking concepts and leveraging modern technology, even though their generation may not have had prior exposure to it.
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dunoma Ahmed Umar, said the Federal Government was fully committed to ensuring the successful implementation of all youth development programs.
He emphasised that the programmes have been designed “to bring about a positive and tangible impact on the lives of youths, thereby bringing about a transformative change in their well-being and future prospects”.
