On the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD), Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating this event. The Federal Government has extended a call to its youth, urging them to take the lead in driving the advancement, unity, and shared prosperity of the nation. The government emphasizes the importance of utilizing diverse youth initiatives, programs, and policies established by the authorities to enable young people to contribute effectively to the socio-economic progress of the country.
In an official statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, it was conveyed that during the commemoration of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD) in Abuja over the weekend, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, emphasized this call to action. Alhaji Ismaila urged the youth to take the lead in striving for the highest standards of sustainable development, shaping the nation’s future in alignment with the policy priorities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration. These priorities encompass a commitment to expanding opportunities for green jobs and advocating for renewable energy solutions as integral components of Nigeria’s current and future energy landscape.
In line with this year’s theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” the Permanent Secretary affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fully implementing various policy initiatives and programs aimed at creating meaningful avenues for Nigerian youth. This encompasses job creation, education, skills enhancement, digital innovation, financial technology, and active participation of the youth in governance.
The Permanent Secretary underscored that youth empowerment forms a pivotal foundation for comprehensive reform actions across various sectors, implemented by governments to foster an enabling environment where the youth can thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth and economic development. He acknowledged the burgeoning interest and impact of young Nigerians in technology-related domains worldwide, and assured that the Ministry is dedicated to nurturing youth skills, particularly in the realm of the digital economy. This commitment aims not only to make them self-reliant but also to empower them as employers of labor.
During the welcome address, Mrs. Justina Pawa, the Acting Mandate Secretary of the FCTA, asserted that the youth are a nation’s most valuable asset and hold the potential to shape the future. Given the right guidance and orientation, they have the capability to ensure a secure future for the nation.
In a goodwill message, Mohammed Momoh, the Representative of the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), expressed optimism that this year’s celebration would open new avenues for youth development. He urged young people to eschew violence, cybercrimes, and other social ills for the betterment of society.
Additionally, Dr. Babatunde Adelekan, representing the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), pledged the organization’s commitment to collaborating with the government to establish sustainable structures that uplift the youth. These structures are aimed at empowering them not only to drive national progress but also to promote unity and collective prosperity for the well-being of all citizens.
Mrs. Amina Daura, the Director of the Network and Social Mobilization Department (NSM), extended gratitude to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the Ministry’s staff, development partners, and stakeholders for their collective efforts in making the 2023 IYD a truly memorable occasion.
