Implementing The National Youth Skills Programme, Beyond Words

BlossomNigeria commends the Federal Government’s National Youth Policy, that has sets guidelines, and is providing the framework for all stakeholders to empower youths to realise their potentialities. This is as they are encouraged to also take advantage of the opportunities available, to make positive contributions to the well-being of their communities across the entire country.

We agree with the policy mission, aimed at providing stakeholders in youth development, an all-inclusive framework that will ensure the realisation of the full potentials of all Nigerian young men and women, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, and socio-economic background.

This is why we trust that the effective implementation, is driving the policy goal, which is to provide an appropriate framework, that protects the fundamental human rights of all youths, promote their optimal development and well-being, and enhance their participation in every sphere of national development processes.

With these laudable steps that have been taken in setting up a strong policy structure, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, has stated that over one million young Nigerians will benefit from the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP), to avail them of the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.

The Minister said the ministry was drafting bills for the National Assembly to institutionalise the 30% youth quota, restructure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) and establish the National Youth Fund (NYF).

She stated that the restructured Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will commence its call for entries by June 30, 2024, adding that the ministry has already streamlined the process to ensure more young entrepreneurs who can access the funds they need, to innovate and create jobs. She disclosed that the bank which will provide tailored financial services to youth-led ventures, supporting innovative ideas and business growth”, will be launched by August 30th, 2024.

Meanwhile, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe expressed gratitude to the Minister for her forward-thinking initiatives and well-crafted policies aimed at empowering and preparing the youths to assume significant leadership roles in the future.

He said the initiative shows that the younger generation is enthusiastic and willing to take matters into their own hands, by applying forward-thinking concepts and leveraging modern technology, though their generation may not have had prior exposure to it.

Beyond words, BlossomNigeria urge the ministry to see to the effective implementation of this productive policy, that will definitely bring about a change in disposition towards entrepreneurial tendencies across the nation, while raising a generation that are not waiting for white collar jobs to be successful in what they do.

We look forward to seeing the effective implementation of a wholistic youth package, that will ultimately benefit the nation. This is why the Government should let the policy run effectively, constantly expanding it to accommodate more young people in Nigeria, who need all that the package has to offer. Beyond words, let the action begin.