By FRANCA OFILI

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 38-member steering committee for the review of the National Youth Policy (NYP) 2019 -2023.

Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, who inaugurated the committee via virtual meeting, said the policy served as a national framework for youth development.

This is contained in a statement by Mrs Maryam Yusuf, Head, Press Unit of the ministry, on Saturday in Abuja

Bio-Ibrahim said the policy would guide the operations of the ministry while embodying the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the youth.

According to her, the ministry is committed toward engaging stakeholders in the youth sector across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria as the review approach would be inclusive and extensive.

She said that the policy was global in view and local in implementation.

“This engagement is critical to ensure that the revised policy is responsive to the evolving needs, challenges, and opportunities facing our young people,” she said.

According to the minister, the committee’s mandate includes the development of a policy that broadly addresses youth priorities in key areas such as education, employment, health, and civil engagement

She said it also emphasised inclusivity and integration of modern technologies and social considerations in youth development.

Bio-Ibrahim charged members of the committee to apply international best practices in carrying out their responsibilities.

She urged them to draw valuable insights from sources such as the UNESCO Youth Policy Toolkit, to ensure that the policy aligns with global standards while reflecting the unique context of the youth.

“The review process is expected to involve a series of activities including development of inception draft and consultative meeting with relevant stakeholders across target priority sectors as well as in the six geo-political zones.

“The process will culminate with a national validation workshop for the final draft document, which will be presented for the approval of the National Council on Youth Development and the Federal Executive Council,” the minister said.

She assured members of the committee of the ministry’s confidence in their capabilities while enjoying them to dedicate their utmost effort and expertise to this important national assignment.

Also, Dr Dunoma Umar, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said the policy, like other government policies, constitutes the guide document on youth development

Umar said the policy also represents the declaration and commitment of Nigerian government to the practical support it intends to give to its youth.

The Inaugurated steering committee which is dominated by young people, is constituted by 38 members made up of government representatives, local and international youth organisations such as UNFPA, UNESCO, Commonwealth Youth Council.

Others members are: NESG; LEAP Africa, Youth Alive Foundation, Mind The Gap, FlexiSaf Foundation, Oxfam in Nigeria and others. (NAN)

Update news