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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth inclusion and empowerment through the development and implementation of a comprehensive Nasarawa State Youth Policy (2025–2029) aimed at addressing critical challenges facing young people in the state.
Speaking while declaring open a 3-day Stakeholders Validation Workshop on the State Youth Policy held at Gaji Hotel, Akwanga, on Friday, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, said the exercise was crucial in aligning state development plans with the national “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Yakubu explained that the workshop brought together diverse stakeholders to validate the draft youth policy, which is designed to create a roadmap for youth development and participation across all sectors.“This is an exercise that has assembled a diverse range of stakeholders to validate the Nasarawa State Youth Policy drafted with youth in focus,” Yakubu stated.
“Since the inception of His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule’s administration, we have pursued an economic vision that places our people at the centre of governance. Today, Nasarawa ranks third among investment destinations in Nigeria, a feat achieved through transparency, accountability, and people-centred leadership,” he added.
The commissioner urged participants to seize the opportunity to craft actionable strategies that will improve the quality of life for youths in the state.“This workshop throws up opportunities for the youth to grab, snatch, and run with. You must be committed to developing strategic youth programmes spanning 2025 to 2029,” he said before declaring the workshop open.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Hassan, explained that the ministry had been operating without a policy framework until recently, describing the situation as “flying blind.”“On my assumption of office, I discovered there was no existing policy document, no strategic plan, and no annual operational plan,” he said.
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“We took it upon ourselves to develop a five-year policy document (2025–2029) which will be followed by a strategic plan and annual action plans. This policy addresses issues from health, education, drug abuse, unemployment, ICT, agriculture, to youth participation in governance.”
Hassan also highlighted challenges such as adoption, implementation, and funding, calling for strong collaboration among ministries, agencies, and development partners.“We are involving everyone in co-planning and co-designing the policy to ensure ownership and smooth implementation,” he said.
Representing Civil Society Organizations, the Executive Director of Beacon Youth Initiative, Envoy Emmanuel Okolo, expressed optimism about the inclusiveness of the process.“We are confident that under the leadership of Hon. Kwanta Yakubu and Dr. Hassan, the youth agenda will be revitalized. This policy will not be just another document, but a living framework that ensures youth inclusion in governance and development,” he stated.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Congress, Comrade Damina Solomon John, described the initiative as evidence of a youth-centric government.“On behalf of over two million young people in Nasarawa State, I must say this policy demonstrates that Governor Sule’s administration is truly a youth government. It gives us hope for inclusion and progress,” he said.
The Director of Family Health at the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Madawa Absalom, reiterated the health sector’s commitment to supporting the initiative.“We have established a multi-sectoral platform involving every MDA working with adolescents and youth. Our goal is to ensure no young person is left behind,” he noted.
Saturday Sun reports that the 3-day workshop, organized by the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in collaboration with relevant partners, aims to finalize and adopt the Nasarawa State Youth Policy (2025–2029), which will serve as a guiding document for youth empowerment, innovation, and participation in governance.
