In a bid to advance youth empowerment and job creation, Nigeria’s Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NiYEAP) on Tuesday. The event took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
The TWG, a public-private collaborative initiative, aims to foster sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerian youth. Attendees included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya; senior ministry officials; and representatives from private sector and international organizations such as GIZ, UNICEF, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations.
During his address, Minister Olawande highlighted the critical role of the TWG in achieving the goals of the NiYEAP, which was launched in September 2021. The action plan targets four thematic areas: Employability, Entrepreneurship, Employment Creation, and Equal Opportunity, with a focus on high-impact sectors like the digital economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
“This working group, driven by the private sector and supported by government and development partners, will lay the foundation for a sustainable legacy of prosperity for Nigerian youth,” Olawande stated.
The minister emphasized the importance of youth-centered policy advocacy and the creation of targeted job opportunities. He reiterated his commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative, calling for active participation from all involved.
“Collective efforts are vital in shaping a brighter future for our young people. Together, we can deliver a transformative employment plan that not only addresses the current challenges but also unlocks the potential of our youth,” he added.
The NiYEAP seeks to address unemployment through innovative strategies and partnerships, underscoring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision for holistic youth empowerment. By leveraging the expertise of private sector actors and development organizations, the TWG aims to implement impactful solutions that resonate with the needs of young Nigerians.
This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to fostering a prosperous environment where youth can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
