Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development today received participants of the Senior Executive Course 48 (SEC 48) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, as part of their study tour of key government institutions. This was contained in a statement signed by Omolara Esan, Director, Information and Public Relations.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Ministry to highlight its youth-focused policies and programmes aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing the immense potential of Nigerian youth as drivers of national development.
He described the country’s youth population as a strategic asset capable of accelerating innovation, enterprise, and economic transformation when properly supported.
“Nigeria’s youth are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are key drivers of innovation, enterprise, and economic transformation. Our priority is to create an enabling environment that empowers young people to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
The Minister further noted that the Ministry is strengthening programmes in entrepreneurship development, digital innovation, skills acquisition, and access to finance to enable young Nigerians to transition from job seekers to job creators.
“Through strategic investments in human capital development, mentorship, and sustainable financing, we are building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that will equip young Nigerians with the tools needed to become self-reliant, productive, and globally competitive,” he added.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), Mr. Anthony Chukwuka commended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies for its longstanding role in strengthening strategic leadership and contributing to national policy development.
She noted that the study tour aligns with Nigeria’s broader development priorities, particularly the need to invest strategically in youth as a critical driver of economic diversification and sustainable growth.
“Economic diversification can not be achieved without deliberate and sustained investment in the youth population. Our programmes are designed to equip young people with the skills, opportunities, and resources required to actively contribute to national development,” she said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, represented by the Director of Research, Prof. Musa Umar explained that the theme of the current study places a strong emphasis on youth participation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He stressed the importance of aligning government police’s and programmes with the aspirations and potential of young Nigerians, particularly within the framework of the Orange Economy.
He added that the engagement with the Ministry was intended to deepen participants’ understanding of government policies and programmes on youth development, while also providing a platform for constructive dialogue to enrich policy recommendations at the end of the programme.
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