From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has deepened its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development following a high-powered courtesy visit to Abuja on Thursday.
This was disclosed on Friday by Eche Amos, Head of Public Relations of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in a statement issued shortly after the visit.
According to Amos, the delegation led by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, met with the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, to seek greater collaboration and support for youth-targeted programmes in Nasarawa State.
“On behalf of my principal, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, I want to sincerely thank you for granting us audience despite your tight schedules,” Kwanta was quoted as saying. “Our visit is aimed at strengthening ties between your Ministry and ours, and by extension, with the State Government in driving youth-centred initiatives.”
Kwanta stressed that Nasarawa State is strategically positioned, given its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, and is well-suited for the implementation of federal development programmes focusing on entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and empowerment.
Responding, the Minister, Ayodele Olawande praised the Commissioner’s leadership and commitment to youth development.
“Honourable Commissioner, I have received delegations from other states, but yours is both unique and breathtaking,” Olawande said. “You have demonstrated capacity and inclusive leadership. Permit me to bestow a special recognition on you as the ‘Sarkin Aiki’ (Workaholic) of the youth in Nasarawa State.”
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s readiness to partner with the State through existing programmes such as the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP), the Digital Skills Initiative (DEEL), and the Youth Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria (YISA).
“These initiatives are geared towards employment generation, food security, and equipping young Nigerians with the tools for a sustainable future,” the Minister added. “I look forward to visiting Nasarawa State soon to witness your efforts first-hand.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, expressed gratitude to the Minister on behalf of the delegation and hailed the meeting as a major step towards youth empowerment in the state.
The delegation included key directors from the Ministry, aides to the Governor, representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Nasarawa chapter), and corps members currently serving in the Ministry.
Amos described the meeting as a strategic milestone that will open up new opportunities for young people across the State.