The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to implementing policies thoughtfully recommended by Nigerian youth.
This announcement came during the valedictory sitting of the 5th Nigerian Youth Parliament at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The minister stressed that this commitment underscores the essential role of youth in shaping the nation’s future, and reflects a sincere intent to incorporate their perspectives.
He noted that the Nigerian Youth Parliament has provided a valuable platform for young voices, fostering meaningful participation in governance.
“The NYP is a flagship programme of the ministry, which was inaugurated and institutionalised in August 2008 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
“It has run four sessions of two years each and produced 436 youth requisite skills in legislative processes and rudiments of collective decision making.
“As you conclude your tenure in the NYP and with the commitment of Mr President’s administration to a 30% quota for youth and women representatives in governance, I urge you to remain vigilant and continue to advocate for the rights of the youth, champion inclusive policies, amplify the voices of those who are not always heard and continue being examples of integrity and patriotism,” he stated.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, charged the outgoing parliamentarians to rise to the challenges and responsibilities ahead with their unwavering passion.
The outgoing Speaker of the 5th Session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Rt. Honourable Dr Azeezat Yishawu, urged greater youth inclusion in governance, skill development, healthcare access and security, emphasising youth empowerment for Nigeria’s future.