As part of activities marking the Africa Youth Month, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, has launched the Pocket Size and App Edition of the National Youth Policy document.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare said, “Traditionally, only the first day of November was observed as African Youth Day, having been so recognized and adopted in June 2006 by African Heads of Government at their meeting in Banjul, Gambia. However, for this year 2019, the African Union has decided to dedicate the whole month to the commemoration of this important event, tagged – One Million by 2021, Count me in. This is driven by the desire to mobilize at least one million young Africans towards having the chance to be among one million young Africans who will benefit from direct opportunities in the areas of Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Engagement (4Es)”.
“For us in Nigeria, it is a double celebration as we also use the occasion to launch the Pocket Size National Youth Policy (NYP) as well as the National Youth Policy App. The choice to have variations of the National Youth Policy in both formats is informed by our critical audience – Youth, to whom the policy belongs.”
“Mr. President appointed me as Minister, he gave me a clear mandate: keep Nigerian Youth productively busy! And by God, this we will do, together. Our strategy is simple, each person contributing from their little space: government, private sector, civil society and development partners; The most important actors being the youth themselves; not mere bystanders spectators. It is my belief that we have begun this model of cooperation from the way we put this event together.”
He commended the Ministry’s partners like Mind the Gap, YIAGA, LEAP Africa, and UNFPA, for working tirelessly with the Ministry ensure this year’s African Youth Day surpassed those before it.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and urged a sustenance of the relationship and partnership established. “Going forward, we at the Ministry will work towards sustaining an ecosystem of State and non-state actors in each thematic area of the National Youth Policy, which will evolve into the National Youth Policy Implementation Network.”
The event attracted a large number of dignitaries from all works of life including the Vice President represented the Maryam Uwais, Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of State Budget and National Planning Clement Agba, Minister of State for Technology, Barrister Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman House Committee on Youth Honourable Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Olumide Osoba and the Pioneer Speaker, Nigeria Youth Parliament Honourable Luke Onofiok, amongst others. Others are former Super Eagles footballer Daniel Amokachi and Musician Faze who thrilled the gathering with song renditions. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Abuja dance troupe was also on hand to entertain the gathering.
