The Federal Government has begun the review of the Youth Development Policy to comprehensively address the challenges being faced by young people in the country.
Dr Jamila Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, said this in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with critical stakeholders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The meeting with the theme: ‘Leadership and Public Policy: Grassroot Mobilisers – The Challenges and Remedies through Remodeling’, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development.
Ibrahim emphasised the need for inputs from all stakeholders before presenting the draft of the policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.
According to her, the government’s aim is to involve all relevant parties in the process of establishing sustainable solutions to the prevalent issues, particularly by ensuring accessible financial resources for the younger generation.
‘Meaningful inclusion of the youth and addressing the requirements of individuals
with special needs.
‘We cannot progress without a comprehensive policy. Upon our arrival, we encountered an outdated policy, prompting us to devise programmes and initiatives that actively engage young people and allow them to influence policy decisions.
‘The current administration is committed to fostering trust between young people and the government.
‘To achieve this synergy, we must wholeheartedly be committed to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Initiatives’ as promised,’ she said.
Abbah Isah, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on People with Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, emphasised that 40 per cent of Nigerian youth living with disabilities face hardships.
According to him, the hardships are limited access to basic social amenities, economic instability leading to financial hardship, and inadequate healthcare services.
Abah expressed his appreciation for Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to ensure that all segments of society receive the necessary support and att
ention within the framework of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of his administration.
In his closing remarks, Dr Dunoma Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry thanked the participants, adding that the meeting would be a continuous engagement with critical stakeholders across the country.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria