By Franca Ofili
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring Nigerian youth have access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities required to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national and continental development.
Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, said this on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing ahead of the African and National Youth Day and Festival celebration.
Olawande, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi, urged private sector leaders, development agencies, and civil society organisations to intensify their support for youth-led initiatives nationwide.
According to the minister, the celebration is scheduled to hold from Nov. 27 to Nov. 28 in Abuja, featuring diverse programmes designed to engage and inspire young people across Africa.
He explained that the event aimed to celebrate the energy, innovation, creativity, and resilience of African youth, describing them as the continent’s greatest asset and the driving force of transformation.
“This year’s festival will unite youth from across Nigeria and the continent under the theme, ‘From Aspiration to Action: Youth as Agents of Reparative Justice and Sustainable Development,’” Olawande said.
He described the theme as a timely reminder that Africa’s future lied in the hands of its youth, a generation more connected, informed, and capable than ever before.
Olawande added that as Africa stood at the crossroads of economic transformation, technological advancement, and cultural renaissance, young people remained not just participants but the actual drivers of progress.
He said the festival would serve as a platform for dialogue, talent showcasing, collaboration, and creative exchange, strengthening unity and innovation among youth across the continent.
“Over the coming days, young leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and change-makers will participate in workshops, exhibitions, and performances promoting inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development,” he stated.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through continued investment in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, creative industries, and civic engagement for national growth and transformation.
He further called for the establishment of a truly Pan-African youth agenda that transcended borders and leverages shared aspirations for collective progress and development.
“To Nigerian youths and youth leaders from across Africa attending this event, I look forward to seeing you in Abuja. Your voices matter, your ideas count, and your dreams are valid,” he said.
Olawande urged stakeholders to support the festival and other youth-focused initiatives, describing them as crucial to securing a prosperous and sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa.
“No investment in this direction will ever be too big or too small. Together, let us build an Africa where no young person is left behind,” the minister said. (NAN)
FG to ensure youth access resources, opportunities
