The Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP) has advocated for more budgetary allocation to the Federal Ministry of Youths to fund more youth development initiatives, especially at this time that the ministry was separated from Sports.
The Speaker of the parliament, Azeezat Yishawu, made the call immediately after a meeting with the Minister, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, and members of the NYP.
According to a press statement on Sunday, Yishawu recognised the importance of adequate budget allocation and funding to the Ministry of Youth for proper implementation of projects and programmes of youth development, especially those like the Nigerian Youth Parliament that are nurturing future leaders
“I led this delegation, to the ministry to assure you that the Nigerian youth are behind her and ready to provide all the necessary support to help her succeed.” noting that the “responsibility of the Minister is huge as she is responsible for about half of the population of the country,” Yishawu said.
She told the minister that the parliament had also come to provide her with a comprehensive report on the research it had carried out on about 20 states across the country which will be helpful in policy formulation and programme implementation that will greatly impact positively on the youth.
Yishawu noted that the lack of proper planning and funding for NYP programmes is a major threat to the youth platform.
The minister, while lauding the speaker for her stewardship of the parliament, gave the assurance that she would look into the challenges of the NYP and provide the necessary support.
She said, “I have watched from a distance and seen how she is steering the ship of the Nigerian Youth Parliament and she has done well, it is my hope and desire to see that you evolve into bigger responsibilities and take on bigger roles.
“This is your ministry, this is your home. I have taken note of all your challenges, requests and of course, all the good work that the parliament has done, which is very impressive and the ministry will take all necessary steps to address the challenges.”
Ibrahim promised to study the report on the National Youth Security Summit, adding that she is very passionate about women and youth.
The statement added: “When it comes to youth and women, this is my passion, especially supporting them because I see myself in them”.
