By Wendy Nweke
The Federal Government has stressed it’s commitment towards addressing youth-related issues to place Nigeria youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and direct employment through the National Youth Investment Fund.
The Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare gave the indication during an event to mark this year’s African Youth Day in Abuja.
He explained that the initiative would allow youths to bring up creative ideas that government would support with small loans instead of waiting for white collar jobs.
Mr Dare stated that the Ministry had also developed a Digital Literacy and Skill Acquisition Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership initiative, DEEL, to provide opportunities for youths by training and enrolling them on programmes that would make them economically independent.
The Minister explained that youth investment initiatives in Nigeria were edged on equity, inclusion and participation.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, represented by Hajiya Saido Muhammed said that there was the need for Nigerian youths to break the barriers and be valued.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar pointed out that the aim of the Day was to tackle issues affecting Nigeria youths.
Our Correspondent reports that the theme of the event is: “Breaking Barriers to Meaningful Participation and Inclusion in Advocacy”, and sub-theme: “Bridging the Intergenerational Gap to Annex Youth Potentials”.
