Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister for Youth Development, has disclosed that efforts are being made to enact a law that will guarantee a 30 per cent inclusion of youth in government in Nigeria.
The minister made this statement at a programme to commemorate the International Youth Day 2024, organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The youth dialogue was held under the theme, ‘Forging the Future: Youth-Led MSMEs Innovating with Digital Solutions to Secure Sustainable Growth, Global Trade, and Resilient Food and Energy Systems.’
Dr Ibrahim stated that the current government was doing a lot for the youth, adding that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved a 30 per cent inclusion for youths in the country.
She emphasized that increasing youth participation in decision-making and governance would lead to rapid development in both policymaking and financial autonomy for nation building.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasized the importance of focusing on youth engagement, stressing that the high levels of unemployment and underemployment among young people in Nigeria require urgent action.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, stated that over 250 MSMEs from across the country registered for International Youth Day 2024.