By: Egerton Onah
The 7th National Council on Youth Development convened in Maiduguri, Borno State, with the theme ‘Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyze Economic Development bringing together key stakeholders in youth development from across the country to deliberate on critical issues affecting Nigerian youth.
Among the highlights of the Council was the passionate advocacy for increased Federal Government Support and increased budgetary allocations to Ministries of Youth Development.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, the Chairman, Barr. Odum-Ijom Ukam, who also serves as the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skill Acquisition, Cross River State, emphasized the urgent need for greater financial investment in youth-focused initiatives.
Addressing delegates, Barr. Ukam argued that the current funding levels are insufficient to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing Nigerian youth, including unemployment, lack of skills, and limited access to innovation hubs and development programs.
He therefore advocated for increased federal support and collaboration to address youth-related issues in the thirty-six (36) states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the driving force of today. Without adequate funding, Ministries of Youth Development across the nation are unable to implement impactful programs or create sustainable opportunities for our young people,” Barr. Ukam stated.
The commissioner highlighted four key areas where increased funding would make a transformative impact:
1. Empowerment Programs: Scaling up entrepreneurship, leadership, and vocational training initiatives.
2. Infrastructure Development: Establishing youth centers, skill acquisition hubs, and digital innovation spaces.
3. Emerging Issues: Addressing mental health, digital literacy, and climate action to equip youth for contemporary challenges.
4. Collaborative Efforts: Strengthening partnerships with development agencies and private sector players to broaden the scope of youth programs.
Barr. Ukam’s call resonated with the council's overarching theme of fostering inclusivity and sustainability in youth development policies. His appeal received widespread support from other commissioners and delegates, who acknowledged the critical role of financial investment in harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s vibrant youth population.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande in his keynote address, lauded the commitment of the commissioners and assured them that the Federal Government would explore strategies to enhance budgetary provisions for youth development.
Delegates at the council expressed optimism that the resolutions reached would translate into actionable policies at both state and federal levels. The council concluded with a strong call for collaborative efforts among all tiers of government to ensure that Nigerian youth are equipped to contribute significantly to national growth and development.
As participants departed Maiduguri, the advocacy for increased funding stood out as a rallying cry for stakeholders to prioritize the empowerment of Nigeria’s youth—a critical step towards securing the country’s future.
