Olawande establishes a program for greater impact at the youth ministry management retreat

Olawande establishes a program for greater impact at the youth ministry management retreat

By Sarah Kitka

Abuja (Key Reporters) The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has charged the management and staff of the Ministry of Youth Development to go beyond running programs to deliver measurable results that make a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerian youths.

Comrade Olawande gave the charge in Abuja while declaring open the Ministry’s management retreat, themed: “Consolidating Youth Development Priorities: Delivering Results, Strengthening Partnerships and Expanding Impact.”

The Minister said the theme reflects the Ministry’s commitment to sharpen its priorities, strengthen strategic partnerships and expand the impact of its interventions across the country.

He stressed that every policy, program, expenditure and partnership must ultimately answer the question: “What difference are we making in the lives of young Nigerians?”

According to him, the Ministry’s success should be measured by tangible results, including jobs created, business creation, skills acquired and improved access to finance and markets.

He also highlighted the recently launched National Youth Data Bank, stressing that reliable and comprehensive data on youth would provide a stronger basis for evidence-based decision-making, policy formulation and the design and implementation of youth development programmes.

Olawande called for stronger and more results-oriented partnerships, urging the Ministry to evaluate collaborations based on their contribution to job creation, skills development, entrepreneurship and other opportunities for youth.

He also instructed the Departments and Agencies of the Ministry to work in greater coordination, stressing that “planning must connect with budgeting, budgeting with action, and action must produce measurable results”.

The Minister noted that the retreat should culminate in clear decisions on priorities, responsibilities, timelines, partnerships and measurable indicators of success.

He urged participants to openly engage, identify existing gaps and agree on practical solutions, stressing that the Ministry must build an institution that listens, responds, works collaboratively and takes responsibility for its outcomes.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, represented by the Director of Human Resources, Olaniepekun Adebayo, said the retreat provides the Ministry with an opportunity to review its performance, identify gaps and develop practical measures to deliver better outcomes for Nigerian youths.

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to partnering with the Ministry, particularly in promoting skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and gainful engagement of young Nigerians.

Representing the Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Center (CLTC), Rinsola Abiola, Marshal Adiole highlighted the importance of strategic planning, effective monitoring and evidence-based decision making in promoting youth development initiatives.

Representing the Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Sharon Dimanche, A’isha Dahiru reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Ministry in promoting opportunities, inclusion and sustainable development for young people.

Also speaking, Ogo Ifeoma Akabogu, Representative of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr Olasupo Olusi highlighted the Bank’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship, improving access to finance and promoting the growth of youth-led businesses.

The President of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari, underlined the importance of meaningful youth participation in governance and decision-making, commending the Ministry’s efforts to promote youth development.

The retreat, which is an annual event, was attended by directors, unit heads and other senior staff of the Ministry.