The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s firm commitment to advancing genuine youth empowerment and human capital development through sustainable initiatives and strategic partnerships.
He made this known during a courtesy visit by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) delegation, led by its new Country Representative, Ms. Muriel Mafico, to his office in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister commended UNFPA for its longstanding partnership and notable contributions to youth-focused programmes in Nigeria, particularly in reproductive health, gender equality, population development, and empowerment. He congratulated Ms. Mafico on her new appointment and assured her of the Ministry’s continued collaboration with UNFPA in advancing the welfare and development of young Nigerians.
Comrade Olawande clarified the distinction between youth empowerment and youth development, stressing that empowerment should go beyond short-term interventions like cash grants or tool distribution. He emphasized that true empowerment must focus on sustainable human capital development, skills acquisition, and mentorship that promote productivity, innovation, and self-reliance.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s evolution from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Ministry of Youth Development, the Minister said the change represents a deliberate shift toward holistic, life-impacting initiatives beyond sports and event-driven activities. He also expressed concern over the decline in moral values and called for renewed efforts to restore integrity, discipline, and purpose among young people.
Marking his first anniversary in office (October 23, 2024 – October 24, 2025), Comrade Olawande outlined the three core principles guiding the Ministry’s agenda:
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Support the Youth – Creating opportunities and platforms for young Nigerians to thrive.
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Productive Empowerment – Prioritizing skills development and capacity building over material handouts.
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Protect the Youth – Safeguarding the rights, welfare, and well-being of young people nationwide.
The Minister identified skills mismatch and unemployability as major challenges facing Nigerian youth, noting that many job seekers lack the competencies required by employers. He called for a comprehensive review of the national education and vocational training system to align with market needs, adding that true empowerment must be anchored on employability, innovation, and value creation.
He further revealed that much of the Ministry’s achievements in the past year have been driven by strategic collaborations rather than budgetary allocations. He praised UNFPA and other partners for their continued support, stressing that sustainable youth development requires strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and development agencies.
In her remarks, UNFPA Country Representative, Ms. Muriel Mafico, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in harnessing its demographic dividend through targeted investments in young people.
“This is Africa’s century,” she said, noting that in about 30 years, Nigeria is projected to become the world’s third most populous country — a development that presents both tremendous opportunities and serious responsibilities.
Ms. Mafico emphasized that equipping Nigerian youth with the right skills, knowledge, and opportunities will not only strengthen the national economy but also position them to compete and contribute effectively on the global stage.
ADEOLA KUNLE
