The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called on staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to uphold the values of service excellence, inclusivity, and accountability in their dealings with young Nigerians.
He made this call during the 2025 Customer Service Week celebration held on Thursday in Abuja.
Speaking at the grand finale of the event, which featured awards for outstanding employees, the Minister described the celebration as “an accountability checkpoint, not a ceremonial show-off,” stressing that public service must always prioritize citizens.
“In public service, citizens are not a disturbance to our work—they are the work. For us in this Ministry, our citizens are the Nigerian youth,” Olawande said.
He emphasized the Ministry’s service philosophy built on accessibility, speed, respect, and transparency, urging staff to adopt a “No-Wrong-Door” approach to service delivery so that every youth receives timely support through any available channel, whether physical or digital.
“Every youth interaction must be timely, respectful, and inclusive,” he added.
The Minister praised the dedication of staff, describing them as “the face of the Ministry whose hard work turns programmes into real outcomes.” He encouraged them to continually “meet the standard, beat the standard, and raise the standard” in all aspects of service delivery.
Addressing young Nigerians, Comrade Olawande urged them to remain engaged and hold government accountable.
“Your feedback is power. Tell us what we are doing right and where we can improve. Hold us to our promises—this Ministry belongs to you,” he said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, welcomed staff, partners, and guests to the event themed “Mission Possible: Celebrating Excellence in Service.” He described the occasion as an annual opportunity to reflect on the Ministry’s service culture, celebrate outstanding staff, and renew commitment to quality public service.
Mr. Olusanya explained that this year’s theme underscores the belief that challenges in public service can be overcome through unity, integrity, and professionalism, especially in empowering youth through initiatives like the Youth Help Desk, which provides timely information, guidance, and access to opportunities.
He commended all awardees and staff for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their achievements embody the Ministry’s core values of excellence and accountability. He further encouraged continuous improvement, teamwork, and innovation, assuring that the Ministry would continue to stand out as a model of efficiency and courtesy in Nigeria’s public sector.
One of the award recipients, Mr. Ireajah Victor Ugochukwu, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as motivation to serve better.
“This award means a lot to me because it shows that dedication and integrity are valued in our Ministry. It encourages me and others to keep giving our best in supporting youth development and ensuring that every young Nigerian receives quality service. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a call to do more for our country and the youth we serve,” he said.
ADEOLA KUNLE
