In a groundbreaking effort to empower the youth of Nigeria and instill a spirit of patriotism, the Federal Government has officially rolled out the National Youth Dialogue.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Mr. Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development.
Olawande emphasized that this initiative aims to tackle some of the most urgent issues confronting young Nigerians today, notably the challenges of unemployment and the scarcity of entrepreneurial pathways.
He explained that the program is set to cultivate entrepreneurial skills, offer cooperative training, improve access to essential resources, and create valuable networking opportunities for young individuals.
“It’s time for a fruitful exchange of ideas and mutual support. This dialogue provides a vital platform to confront the significant issue of unemployment and develop solutions,” he stated.
He highlighted the importance of fostering an environment where young Nigerians can flourish, pointing out that although not everyone can aspire to be a civil servant, senator, or minister, with the right support, anyone can achieve success and earn a livelihood.
During his address, Olawande outlined various government initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, including a loan program for students, a dedicated youth investment fund, and the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Academy.
“The government is devoted to restoring hope in this nation and investing in the future of its youth,” Olawande affirmed.
He also shared that over 80,000 young Nigerians are currently participating in a digital training pilot program, with an ambitious target to empower 7 million young people with essential skills over the next two years.
