The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to championing the cause of Nigerian youth. Speaking during a courtesy visit by senior officials of the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP), led by Speaker Azeezat Yishawu, in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, the Minister expressed her passion and dedication to addressing the needs and challenges faced by young people in the country.
Dr. Ibrahim commended Speaker Yishawu for her exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Youth Parliament and assured her that she would address the issues and challenges faced by the NYP, while providing the necessary support. “I have watched from a distance and seen how she is steering the ship of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, and she has done well,” said the Minister. “It is my hope and desire to see that you evolve into bigger responsibilities and take on bigger roles.”
The Minister further emphasized her commitment to youth and women empowerment, stating, “When it comes to youth and women, this is my passion, especially supporting them because I see myself in them.” She also acknowledged the significant role played by male members of the Parliament in supporting Speaker Yishawu’s success and called for greater inclusion of women in leadership positions.
In her address, Speaker Azeezat Yishawu assured the Minister of the Nigerian Youth Parliament’s support and willingness to assist in her success. Yishawu acknowledged the immense responsibility placed on the Minister, as she is responsible for about half of the country’s population. She presented a comprehensive research report conducted by the NYP on twenty states across Nigeria, which will serve as a valuable resource for policy formulation and program implementation aimed at positively impacting the youth.
Under Yishawu’s leadership, the Nigerian Youth Parliament has conducted various activities, including the National Youth Security Summit, which sought to explore young people’s participation in maintaining peace in the country. The Parliament has also carried out research on drug abuse and social vices among young people, as well as issues related to youth employment.
However, the NYP highlighted the challenge of insufficient funds, which has hindered the execution of many of its programs. The Director Network and Social Mobilization Department of the Ministry, Hajia Amina Daura, informed the Minister that the Nigerian Youth Parliament was inaugurated on August 28, 2008, by the late President Umar Musa Yar’adua. The current session, the fifth, commenced on December 9, 2021, with a non-renewable term of two years.
The NYP serves as a platform for training young people for leadership roles and allows them to contribute to decisions and matters that affect them.
Ministry of Youth Development
