Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has called on his counterparts across Africa to prioritize the development of youth in their nations. Olawande emphasized the importance of equipping the continent’s youth with the skills necessary to compete in the global economy and contribute to national growth.
Speaking at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit held in Rwanda over the weekend, Olawande, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, highlighted the various youth-focused initiatives being spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. These initiatives aim to empower Nigerian youth with the skills and opportunities to drive economic development and productivity.
During the Ministerial roundtable focused on rural youth entrepreneurs’ access to finance, Olawande reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering youth employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He urged African youth leaders to adopt Nigeria’s “One Youth, Two Skills” approach, which seeks to equip young people with multiple skills for greater employability and global competitiveness.
The Youth Minister pointed out that building a skilled youth generation would not only increase productivity but also enable young Africans to take on leadership roles in driving economic growth across the continent.
Olawande also expressed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting sustainable youth development and strengthening regional collaboration, noting that Nigeria’s membership in YouthConnekt, which began in 2022, demonstrates the country’s dedication to the cause. He emphasized that Nigeria’s efforts to establish a YouthConnekt Hub will continue to support youth development and foster collaboration between African nations.
