Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the diverse and evolving expectations of the nation’s youth into actionable policies.
Speaking at the “Summit of the Future,” held at the United Nations House Auditorium in Abuja, the Minister emphasized the importance of addressing the specific needs and aspirations of young Nigerians.
During the Nigerian Youth Consultative Forum, Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that the forum aims to capture the views and expectations of the youth, addressing their challenges collectively to create a future where every young Nigerian can flourish.
She reiterated that the primary objective is to gather and understand the diverse perspectives of the youth comprehensively, addressing their pertinent challenges to lay the groundwork for a future where they can succeed and reach their full potential.
“Nigeria’s challenges are complex, but they are not insurmountable. By harnessing the power of technology, fostering entrepreneurship, and championing education and skills development, we can create a vibrant ecosystem where young Nigerians can thrive.
“We must also prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that our initiatives benefit every segment of society, including marginalized and vulnerable groups,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.
She encouraged young people to be bold in their ideas, fearless in their advocacy, and relentless in their pursuit of a better future.
She added that the platform provided by the forum amplifies the voices of Nigerian youth, bringing solutions to their problems.
Dr. Ibrahim further explained that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires more than just governmental effort; it demands the active participation of every citizen, especially the youth.
“The journey towards these goals is collective, and your role as a young leader cannot be overstated,” she noted.
Earlier in the event, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative and United Nations Resident Coordinator stated that the summit provides an opportunity to regain focus and reaffirm a commitment to a multilateral approach that benefits all people and regions.
He mentioned that the future summit will build on the 2023 SDG Summit and enhance global cooperation to accelerate progress on the 2030 agenda.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Nigerian youths to take ownership of the nation’s democracy, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the country’s future.
The appeal was made by the National Youth Leader of the party, Chukwuka Odimbu, during a one-day National Leadership Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday.
“As youths, we make up a chunk of the country’s population; our numerical strength is unmatchable as we have a vital role to play towards sensitizing the entire populace,” he stated.
