By Adeola Kunle
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has charged the management and staff of the Ministry of Youth Development to move beyond the organisation of programmes to delivering measurable results that make a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerian youths.
Comrade Olawande gave the charge in Abuja while declaring open the Ministry’s Management Retreat, themed: “Consolidating Youth Development Priorities: Delivering Results, Strengthening Partnerships, and Expanding Impact.”
The Minister said the theme reflects the Ministry’s commitment to sharpening its priorities, strengthening strategic partnerships and expanding the impact of its interventions across the country.
He emphasised that every policy, programme, expenditure and partnership must ultimately answer the question: “What difference are we making in the lives of Nigerian youth?”
According to him, the Ministry’s success should be measured by tangible outcomes, including jobs created, businesses established, skills acquired, and improved access to funding and markets.
He also highlighted the recently launched National Youth Data Bank, noting that reliable and comprehensive youth data would provide a stronger basis for evidence-based decision-making, policy formulation and the design and implementation of youth development programmes.
Olawande called for stronger and more result-oriented partnerships, urging the Ministry to assess collaborations based on their contributions to job creation, skills development, entrepreneurship and other opportunities for young people.
He further tasked the Departments and Agencies of the Ministry with working in greater coordination, stressing that “planning must connect with budgeting, budgeting with action, and action must produce measurable results.”
The Minister noted that the retreat should culminate in clear decisions on priorities, responsibilities, timelines, partnerships and measurable indicators of success.
He urged participants to engage openly, identify existing gaps and agree on practical solutions, stressing that the Ministry must build an institution that listens, responds, works collaboratively and takes responsibility for its results.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, represented by the Director of Human Resources, Olaniepekun Adebayo, said the retreat provides an opportunity for the Ministry to review its performance, identify gaps and develop practical measures for delivering better results for Nigerian youth.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to working with the Ministry, particularly in advancing skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and the gainful engagement of Nigerian youths.
Representing the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Ms. Rinsola Abiola, Marshal Adiole highlighted the importance of strategic planning, effective monitoring and evidence-based decision-making in advancing youth development initiatives.
Representing the Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ms. Sharon Dimanche, A’isha Dahiru reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Ministry in promoting opportunities, inclusion and sustainable development for young people.
Also speaking, Ogo Ifeoma Akabogu, representative of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi emphasised the Bank’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship, improving access to finance and promoting the growth of youth-led businesses.
The Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari, stressed the importance of meaningful youth participation in governance and decision-making, while commending the Ministry’s efforts to advance youth development.
The retreat which is an annual event had in attendance Directors , Head of Units and other Management Staff of the Ministry.
Adeola Kunle
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