Minister of Youth Announces Landmark Decisions to Empower Nigerian Youth

By Mohammed Bello Doka

In a significant address to State Journalists, Minister of Youth, Jamila Ibrahim, unveiled groundbreaking decisions ratified at the Federal Executive Council meeting held yesterday. Among the key approvals are initiatives aimed at bolstering youth representation in government, enhancing support for youth-led enterprises, and fostering economic empowerment among Nigerian youth.

The first landmark decision entails institutionalizing a mandatory 30% representation of young people in government appointments, with a particular emphasis on ensuring equitable representation of young women within this quota. This move is set to revolutionize youth participation in governance, providing a platform for their voices to be heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

Additionally, the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, originally established in 2020 to bolster youth-owned enterprises across priority sectors, is undergoing a transformative restructuring. The revamped fund will receive a substantial boost of N25 billion from the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act, supplemented by an additional N25 billion from the Youth Development Fund in the 2024 Budget. This injection of capital is poised to invigorate the entrepreneurial landscape, providing young innovators with the resources they need to thrive and contribute to national development.

Furthermore, in a bid to catalyze youth engagement in agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Federal Executive Council has approved a N60 billion disbursement from the Central Bank of Nigeria through the Agric Investment and SME Scheme. This strategic allocation of funds aims to empower Nigerian youth by providing them with the financial backing necessary to pursue ventures in key sectors of the economy.

Minister Jamila Ibrahim's announcements mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria's commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive growth. By enacting these progressive measures, the government is not only unlocking the potential of its youth population but also laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and equitable future for all Nigerians.