The Federal Government has promised to introduce more youth empowerment initiatives to drive national development.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu stressed the crucial role of youths in Nigeria’s development. He said this while speaking at the launch of the Good Governance Advocacy Programme in Abuja on Thursday.
Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Youth Research, Engagement, and Inclusion explained that the youths makeup over 60% of Nigeria’s population.
Read Also: Students loan: FG exposes tertiary institutions shortchanging students through banks
Moreover, their energy, creativity, and resilience are essential for ensuring effective governance and long-term development. However, he noted that the government realized that it is not adequately engaging the young people, whom he described as the powerhouse of Nigeria.
As a result, the government has decided to establish the Youth Engagement and Inclusion Department within the NOA. Issa-Onilu explained that this is to ensure the inclusion and contribution of the youth to national development.
He stated that including every Nigerian in democracy is both an ethical obligation and a necessity in Nigeria’s diverse society.
Additionally, the spokesperson cited the recently adopted national anthem as a symbol of renewal and unity, while urging the youths to adopt it as a symbol of national pride and shared duty. He also appealed to them to engage policymakers, engage in development projects, and foster positive change in their communities.
Furthermore, Issa-Onilu expressed the NOA’s dedication to backing initiatives focused on civic education and advocacy efforts led by youths. He also commended the organisers for establishing a forum that elevates youth perspectives and advances transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
Meanwhile, Convener of My Care Life Foundation, Thomas Sylvanus stressed the need to integrate entrepreneurship education across all levels to better prepare students for future opportunities.
He described the Good Governance Advocacy Youth Initiative as promoting transparency, accountability, and policy reforms nationwide. Sylvanus stressed that while Nigeria has made some progress, it must intensify efforts to achieve true social inclusion.
