By
Dauda Iliya
The Federal Government has announced a significant investment in youth programmes aimed at unlocking their future potential.
Minister of Youth development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim made the announcement at the fourth Zonal townhall meeting for youth in the North East held in Maiduguri, the Borno state.
The Renewed Hope youth initiative, focus on providing sustainable solution, promoting inclusivity, and empowering young people to actively contribute to socio-economic development of the country.
One key initiative is the Youth Investment Fund, which has been restructured with a capital base of 110 billion naira.
The fund is aimed to develop an ecosystem where youth enterprises can thrive, generate jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim said that part of the investment fund will support the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters.
She reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to urgently tackle challenges facing Nigerian youth, such as insecurity, unemployment, inadequate financial support, and limited opportunities.
“The Presidential Initiatives on Enterprise Clusters is powered by the Youth Investment Fund have been established in key sectors such as agro-forestry, ICT, creative industry, manufacturing, agriculture and of course the renewable energy space ” Dr Ibrahim said.
Dr Jamila Bio announced that special attention will be directed towards the North East, to addressing the severe devastation and economic disruption caused by the insurgency over the past fifteen years.
She assured to work with the civil society and youth organisations in implementation of the programmes.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, highlighted the crucial role of youth in driving growth.
He also pledged to host the seventh National Council on Youth Development later this year, emphasising the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes.
Governor Zulum expressed commitment to working with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to create programmes that will support youth advancement in the state.
“Government of Borno State under my distinguished leadership will continue to establish more programmes that will support youth development in the state” Zulum assured.
State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Sayina Buba said more than 500 meeting across the six states are participating in the townhall meeting, urging them to actively participate in the meeting.
During an interactive session, leaders from the Students’ Union, civil society, and youth representatives urged the federal government to address ongoing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and poverty.
They also called for palliatives for the youth and an increase in allowances for Corps members.
Correspondent Dauda Iliya reports that the meeting has representatives of students’ Union, youth groups, civil society organisations and members of the National Youth Service Corps across the six states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.
