By: Lekan Tajudeen
Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, on Thursday, reaffirmed the government commitment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of youth inclusiveness in governance, as he called for unity among political youth leaders.
Olawande made the affirmation in his office during a visit by the Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties to discuss the leadership of the forum as well as action plan to tackle challenges faced by youth in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Minister stressed the need for a new approach to governance, urging everyone to move beyond traditional political practices and party affiliations.
“There’s a country before a party, and we must come together to support, empower, and protect the youth of this nation through the effective use of our leadership skills,” the Minister stated.
The youth minister equally highlighted the importance of support from youth leaders in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda; while encouraging members of the Forum to create more opportunities for youth to thrive across the political parties.
In the same vein, the leadership of the Forum expressed their admiration for the leadership style and the open-door policy of the Minister, recognizing that the youth of Nigeria now have an important link to the government.
The Forum also commended the Minister for successfully uniting various youth wings of political parties across Nigeria to engage in discussions on youth development and capacity building in the country.
However, on the upcoming National Youth Conference, the Minister assured of a wholly inclusive process, assuring the Forum of full participation of its members before, during, and after the confab.
He also emphasized to the visiting youth leaders the need to join hands with the government to achieve the objectives of the youth conference; and the larger plans of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerian youth.
