Youth
THE new Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has pledged to work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to address youth unemployment in the country.
The minister made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja at the 2019 International Youth Day, with the theme “Transforming Education’’.
He lamented the large number of Nigerian youths out of school and the growing number of those unemployed with a pledge to address it headlong.
“Youth unemployment as at the 2nd quarter of 2018 stood at 38 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
“We will work hard to reduce this figure by applying principles and objectives that cut across different sectors of development.
“We must consciously work to provide enabling environment for the Nigerian youth to excel and reach his full potentials,’’ he said.
Dare said that the ministry would collaborate with relevant agencies of government as well as development partners to improve the employment situation of Nigerian youths.
“The ministry will seek and explore linkages with other federal ministries, agencies and development partners towards leveraging on technology and innovation.
“We have already identified ministries such as Trade, Industry and Investment; Communication; Science and Technology; Agriculture, and Education,’’ he added.
He said that the Federal Government was ready to tap into the large population and vibrancy of the youth to fast track national development.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Olusade Adesola, called on youths to be good ambassadors of the country and contribute to national development.
The International Youth Day is celebrated yearly, on Aug. 12. The 2019 commemoration was postponed in Nigeria because of the Eid-el Kabir festivity.
The event was attended by officials from UNFPA, NYSC, Ministry of Labour officials and other development partners. (NAN)
– Aug. 22, 2019 @ 17:49 GMT |
Tags: International Youth Day: Minister bemoans youth unemployment
