Pre-Summit Meeting Charts New Course for Nigerian Youth EmpowermentAbuja, Nigeria — The Federal Ministry of Youth Development on Thursday hosted a high-level pre-summit meeting in Abuja to prepare for the much-anticipated Youth Development Summit scheduled for September 12, 2025.
The meeting brought together national and international stakeholders to align on a common vision: empowering Nigerian youth through reforms, innovative leadership, and strategic partnerships.
Welcoming participants, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the forthcoming summit as a launchpad for transformative change across Nigeria and the African continent. He apologised for a slight delay in the day’s proceedings, then stressed that the summit represents a turning point in reshaping the nation’s youth narrative.
Major Institutional Reforms
The Minister announced the creation of two new departments:
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Department of Youth Education (Youth Ed): dedicated to expanding educational access and equipping young Nigerians with 21st-century skills.
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Department of Youth Health, Mental & Physiological Affairs (YHMPA): focused on tackling mental health challenges, substance abuse, and overall wellness among youth.
These initiatives are backed by over 35 national and international partners through the Youth Ed Technical Working Group, comprising directors and technical advisors of the Ministry.
Redefining the Youth Agenda
With young people representing more than 70% of Nigeria’s population, Comrade Olawande emphasised a new national direction that goes beyond traditional jobs. The focus, he said, is now on entrepreneurship, innovation, and human capital development, with government creating an ecosystem where young Nigerians can generate opportunities themselves.
Global Partnerships
The Ministry also recognised the support of international collaborators including the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), Africa CDC, African Union Nigeria, United Nations, and the World Health Organization (WHO). These alliances align with the African Union’s youth empowerment agenda and reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in continental youth development.
Amplifying Youth Voices in Policy
Speaking at the event, ISA Jafar, leader of the youth health delegation, highlighted the lack of resources and limited policymaking representation facing youth-led health movements. He noted that the upcoming Africa Youth Health Summit, backed by the Ministry and Africa CDC, would serve as a platform to institutionalise youth voices in health leadership and policy development.
The Ministry affirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian youth are not just participants but also decision-makers in shaping the nation’s future.
ADEOLA KUNLE
