Youth ministry permanent secretary bags African trailblazer award

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, has been honoured with the African Trailblazer Merit Award for Strategic Public Service and Administrative Governance in recognition of her exceptional leadership and contributions to youth development and public sector reform in Nigeria.

The award was presented by the Unveiling African Parliament Writers Network (UAPWN), a coalition of journalists from print, electronic, and digital media across six African countries, which recognises public officials and institutions that have demonstrated excellence in governance, policy innovation, and national development.

According to the organisers, Dr. Keshinro has distinguished herself through a results-oriented leadership style that has strengthened institutional performance, expanded youth empowerment programmes, and improved service delivery within the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

The network particularly commended her role in championing reforms within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including sustained advocacy for improved funding and the rehabilitation of orientation camp facilities across the country. These interventions, it noted, have enhanced the welfare and safety of corps members while improving the operational efficiency of the scheme.

The organisers also praised the permanent secretary for fostering stronger partnerships between the ministry, state and local governments, development partners, and civil society organisations to expand access to vocational training, digital skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and youth employment initiatives.

They described her leadership as a model of innovation, accountability, and inclusiveness, noting that her people-centred approach has earned the confidence of staff, stakeholders, and development partners.

The African Trailblazer Merit Award is part of the African Legislative Excellence Merit Awards, which celebrate individuals and institutions making remarkable contributions to good governance, democratic development, and public service across the continent.

As part of the honour, Dr. Keshinro has also been selected to feature in the maiden edition of the African Trailblazers Magazine, a forthcoming pan-African publication highlighting outstanding leaders and transformative development initiatives.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development congratulated the permanent secretary on the recognition, describing the award as a testament to her dedication to excellence in public service and reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that empower Nigerian youths and strengthen national development.

The statement was signed by Omolara Esan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.