In Abuja, during the inaugural ceremony of the two-day 2023 Gender and Inclusion Summit hosted by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, emphasized the need for deliberate and purposeful content creation among youths in the creative sector.
The event, themed “Building Bridges: Advancing Gender and Inclusion through the Intersection of Trade and Health”, was organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) via its initiative, PIC.
Dr Ibrahim highlighted the significant role of the creative sector in influencing the agendas of young people through their content. She stressed the importance of creating content that reflects and promotes the morals, culture, and values of the nation.
Addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian youths, particularly the high unemployment rate and the ‘Japa’ movement, which symbolizes the quest for greener pastures abroad, Dr Ibrahim acknowledged the dilemmas but also emphasized the potential opportunities that can be harnessed from such situations.
Despite the prevailing challenges, Dr Ibrahim expressed optimism about the future of the Nigerian youth, stating, “We are not hopeless; our land is green and it’s ours to nurture and develop.”
Furthermore, she revealed that the ministry is on the verge of unveiling a blueprint tailored for Nigerian youths, aligning with their aspirations for the country.
“As youths, we must recognize that power is not bestowed upon us; rather, it is a product of negotiation and not an entitlement. This underscores the need to bring substantial value to the table and comprehend the stakes involved,” Dr Ibrahim stated.
She emphasized the importance of seizing every opportunity to acquire relevant skills that would enhance their value and make them indispensable entities at the decision-making table. Dr Ibrahim also encouraged the youth to embrace challenging roles as a demonstration of character and to actively contribute to altering the prevailing negative societal narratives.
