The federal government has set up a 27-man committee immediately to work on the 2019-2023 Youth policy for the country.
In his office in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, presided over the inauguration of the Committee today.
He emphasised that the government’s purpose in establishing the Review Team is to create a comprehensive Policy Document for the Ministry. This document will serve as a crucial guide in fostering the development of the nation’s numerous youth, providing them with a fitting framework for growth and progress.
Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar highlighted that the 2019-2023 Edition of the National Youth Policy is nearing its completion, particularly considering that the policy mandates a 5-year periodic review. Hence, the initiation of this process is essential to ensure the policy remains up-to-date and effective in addressing the evolving needs and aspirations of the youth.
Ismaila informed that part of the successes recorded in the implementation of the 2019-2023 Edition of the NYP by the Federal Government includes
He added that various programmes and projects were also implemented across the six geo-political zones in line with the policy thrust of the government.
Ismaila further elaborated that the necessity for the periodic review of the National Youth Policy (NYP) guidelines has become evident, primarily because human endeavours are dynamic and not static.
He emphasised that this dynamic nature has prompted the review of the guidelines to ensure they remain relevant and capable of yielding improved outcomes. By adapting to the changing landscape of human activities, the revised NYP aims to achieve better and more effective results in promoting the development and empowerment of the nation’s youth.
Besides, he said, “the age range of youth (15-29) in the current Edition of the NYP has generated a lot of debate and controversy, as it appears to fall short of Nigeria cum Africa youth age reality; thus the justification for the review to address the current situation.”
The Permanent Secretary noted that it is in view of these that the government approved the commencement of the review process with the formation and inauguration of the Committee, which is expected to work from now to February 2024.
While charging the Committee to bring their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that they produce a one stop shop Policy Document for implementation by government, he stated that other terms of reference for the Team is to amongst others; oversee the entire review process of the National Youth Policy 2024-2027 until its launching; ensure integration of youth concerns from each geo-political zone into the final policy document;
Alhaji Ismaila at the end ,commended all relevant stakeholders for their support in ensuring the success of previous reviews as well as implementation of the editions and beg them to put all hands on deck, work assiduously and note “that it is our collective responsibility to continue to ensure youth issues are mainstreamed into National Agenda”.
