The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has lauded the youth and leaders of the South-South region for their commitment to peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement with the government, describing them as exemplary in driving the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the South-South Youth Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development at the Flairmore Event Center in Uyo, Dr. Ibrahim praised the youth for their resilience, patriotism, and for embracing dialogue and constructive engagement with the government. She noted the positive atmosphere of collaboration that has emerged in the region, reflecting a new era of peace and mutual understanding. This event is part of her continuous zonal town hall youth engagement series aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding between the youth and the federal government. She was joined at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya.
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government is committed to listening to the youth and implementing strategic initiatives that will address their needs and aspirations. She highlighted the administration’s concrete actions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fostering economic empowerment and development for young Nigerians.
During her speech, Dr. Ibrahim outlined the administration’s major youth-focused initiatives, including the restructuring of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) to evolve into the National Youth Development Fund. This strategic transformation is set to create a sustainable and inclusive financial framework for youth entrepreneurship and skills acquisition. She also announced plans to establish the National Youth Development Bank to provide financial support for youth-driven enterprises, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering the youth.
The Minister expressed optimism about the newly proposed National Council on Youth, which will serve as a critical platform for coordination among stakeholders, including state commissioners of youth, to ensure that youth voices are integrated into national decision-making processes.
She encouraged the youth across the South-South region and Nigeria to continue engaging in peaceful dialogue and supporting the government’s reforms. Dr. Ibrahim highlighted key initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative on Youth Enterprise Clusters (PIYEC) and the 30% youth quota in federal appointments, which demonstrate the administration’s dedication to creating more opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Together, we can achieve great things for our nation. I urge the youth of the South-South and indeed all Nigerian youth to remain committed to building the Nigeria of our dreams through positive engagement and partnership with the government,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.
The Minister also took the opportunity to thank the Government of Akwa Ibom State for the warm reception and support for the town hall meeting, which has greatly contributed to the success of this engagement.
The South-South Youth Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting in Uyo marks a significant step in fostering continuous dialogue and partnership between the youth and the government, setting a precedent for other regions to emulate.