Maryam Aminu
As part of its responsibilities to create a safer environment for the youth, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth Development has reiterated it’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the youth
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim disclosed this in her keynote address during the graduation ceremony of the second Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Fellowship in Abuja, on 20th December, 2023.
The Minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is steadfast in its commitment to creating an environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of the youth, to unleash Nigeria’s potential.
In her words, she said “the Ministry is envisioning a Nigeria where every young person is not just a spectator but an active participant in the unfolding narrative of the country.”
She further assured that the Ministry will play an essential role in driving meaningful change. ” Our mandate extends beyond providing opportunities. It encompasses nurturing a generation of leaders who are not only well-equipped with the necessary skills but are also driven by a sense of duty and responsibility towards our great nation. ” She reiterated.
Dr. Bio-Ibrahim speaking on the theme of her address, Unleashing Nigeria’s Potential through the power of youth political leadership, explained that it is a clarion call for action that defines the Nigerian youth. “
“Unleashing Nigeria’s potential through the power of youth political leadership is a clarion call for action that beckons us to recognize the immense talent, creativity, and resilience that define the Nigerian youth.” She said.
The Minister noted that the theme resonates deeply with the Ministry’s education, engagement, and empowerment mission.
She observed that education is the bedrock upon which a nation’s future is built, and it goes beyond the classroom. It is about equipping our youth with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to navigate the complexities of political leadership.
While extolling the achievements of 45 young graduates, the minister stated that their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm had earned them a well deserved place in the prestigious programme and set the stage for a new era in Nigeria’s political leadership.
Dr. Bio-Ibrahim, therefore, called for effective participation of the youth in elections, as the decline in their participation in the last general election raised some concern.
*”Examining the roster of candidates for the 2023 elections revealed a noticeable decrease in the representation of young contenders, dropping from 34% in the 2019 general election to 28.6% this year.” She decried