Seeks Stronger FG-States Partnership on Youth Development
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments to ensure effective implementation of youth development policies and programmes across Nigeria.
Olawande made the call when the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Plateau State, Comrade Prince Niaphen, paid him a courtesy visit in his office to discuss areas of collaboration and strategies for strengthening youth development initiatives in Plateau State and the country.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, stressed that the success of Federal Government youth development initiatives depended largely on the support and cooperation of state and local governments.
He said government programmes must be effectively implemented at the grassroots to have meaningful impact on young Nigerians.
“You cannot work at the Federal Ministry without having the sub-nationals support you. If you are doing anything at the national level and the State does not align with it, it will go nowhere,” Olawande said.
The Minister also commended the Plateau State Commissioner for what he described as his commitment to leadership and mentorship, noting that effective leaders should groom others to take up positions of responsibility.
“You are indeed a mentor. You are not like those who go through a post or position and leave without anybody to take over from them. You are grooming others to become like you and maybe even better,” he said.
Olawande described the Federal Ministry of Youth Development as the appropriate constituency and home at the Federal level for stakeholders committed to advancing the interests and wellbeing of Nigerian youths.
He therefore encouraged Commissioners for Youth and other stakeholders across the states to deepen their engagement and partnership with the Ministry.
“This is your constituency as far as youth is concerned. This is where you can call home at the Federal level,” he said.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to working closely with state and local governments as well as other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for young Nigerians to thrive.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of Nigerian youths, describing them as creative, innovative and resilient, while stressing that sustained collaboration across all levels of government was essential to unlocking their potential and building a stronger future for the country.
Earlier, the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Comrade Prince Niaphen, thanked the Minister for the warm reception and expressed the readiness of the Plateau State Government to strengthen its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Niaphen said the state remained committed to supporting youth-focused programmes aimed at empowering young people, developing their skills and creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria.
The statement was signed by Omolara Esan, Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
