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Tag: Olawande

  • Iyere lauds Olawande as best youth minister, commends his commitment to empowerment

    Iyere lauds Olawande as best youth minister, commends his commitment to empowerment

    Humanitarian activist and social entrepreneur, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, has thrown his weight behind the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, describing him as the best youth minister Nigeria has ever had.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, Iyere dismissed recent online criticisms of the Minister as baseless attacks orchestrated by self-serving political interests threatened by Olawande’s inclusive and visionary leadership style.

    He praised the Minister’s accessibility and responsiveness to young Nigerians, particularly through the launch of the “Youth Helpdesk” digital platform that allows youths to engage government and access critical services.

    Iyere lauded Olawande’s humility and grassroots connection, stating: “He still sees himself as the same struggling conductor he once was, never letting his current status erode his empathy, compassion, and sense of service.”

    Highlighting the Minister’s strides in job creation and poverty alleviation, Iyere pointed to the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), which has engaged over six million youths, and the Cooperative Farmers and Agro-Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP), aimed at creating 20 million jobs.

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    He cautioned detractors to cease their smear campaigns, asserting that Olawande’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s youth and national development would ultimately triumph over political distractions.

    He said, “Comrade Olawande remains Nigeria’s most egalitarian Minister, even as a Minister that he is today, he still sees himself as that same struggling conductor he used to be, without allowing his present social status to derail his sense of empathy, compassion and consideration for others.

    “His level of humility, simplicity and modesty has no comparison. He remains the best man to represent the youths of Nigeria any day, anytime and anywhere. As a Minister, he still places himself in the same position he used to be, as that poor street boy struggling every day to make ends meet.

    “He feels the impulse of Nigerian youths, and it is the reason he devises and supports programs that will help ameliorate the economic hardship, sufferings and pains faced by Nigerian youths”, Iyere said.

  • Tinubu tackling ‘Japa syndrome’ with youth skills development — Minister Olawande

    Tinubu tackling ‘Japa syndrome’ with youth skills development — Minister Olawande

    The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said President Bola Tinubu is making deliberate efforts to create economic and job opportunities through skills development aimed at empowering Nigerian youths.

    Speaking in Akure, Ondo State, after receiving an award from the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, as part of the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary, Olawande said the President is laying the foundation for a future where Nigerian youths are globally competitive and less eager to migrate in search of better opportunities—a trend popularly called the ‘Japa syndrome.’

    He noted that Tinubu’s administration has launched various initiatives focused on vocational and technical training, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries to help young Nigerians acquire marketable skills and thrive in a competitive environment.

    “The President has done everything to create an environment for youths to thrive,” Olawande said. “The challenges we face today are the results of decades of neglect. Before President Tinubu came into office, young people couldn’t feel the impact of governance. But now, things are changing, structures are being put in place.”

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    He added that the Ministry of Youth Development is collaborating with agencies and parastatals to deliver training and development programmes that will not only empower youths but also help stabilise the economy.

    Olawande urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities being provided, stressing that the Tinubu administration is investing in the future and creating avenues for meaningful youth engagement across sectors like sports, agriculture, and entertainment.

    Addressing the issue of emigration, the Minister said: “We don’t have to stop those who want to travel abroad. Let them go, gain knowledge, and bring it back to contribute to Nigeria’s development. But more importantly, young Nigerians should know that they can also thrive here. The government is creating the right atmosphere for that.”

    He expressed appreciation to the Deji of Akure for honouring him and acknowledged the monarch’s efforts in promoting unity and development in the Akure Kingdom.

  • Minister Olawande, Tinubu’s precious gift to Nigerian youths — Ododo’s aide

    Minister Olawande, Tinubu’s precious gift to Nigerian youths — Ododo’s aide

    The Special Adviser on Youth and Student Matters to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Oladele John Nihi, has hailed the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, as a precious gift of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerian youths.

    Nihi made this remark during a courtesy visit to the Minister’s office in Abuja today. He expressed his admiration for the Minister’s passion for youth development and his vision for a brighter future for Nigerian youths.

    “Hon. Ayodele Olawande is a precious gift to Nigerian youths from President Tinubu,” Nihi stated. “His appointment is a testament to the President’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and unlocking their potential.”

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    The Governor Ododo aide commended the Minister for his innovative initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians, including skills acquisition programs, entrepreneurship development, and mentorship schemes.

    Nihi emphasized the importance of collaboration between state governments and the federal ministry in driving youth development programs. He assured the Minister of Kogi State’s readiness to partner with the Ministry to replicate successful youth development programs at the state level.

    The Minister appreciated Nihi’s visit and reaffirmed his commitment to working with state governments to ensure that youth development programs are implemented effectively across the country.

  • Oladele commends Tinubu over Olawande’s appointment as youth minister

    Oladele commends Tinubu over Olawande’s appointment as youth minister

    Oladele John Nihi, Vice President of the Pan-African Youth Union, West Africa, and Chairman of the Forum of Special Advisers to Governors in Nigeria, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Olawande Wisdom as Minister of Youth Development.

    He stated this in a congratulatory message he personally signed on Thursday, October 24.

    “Hon. Olawande Wisdom’s dedication to youth development, showcased through his work as Minister of State for Youth, has earned him this well-deserved promotion. His leadership skills and passion for empowering Nigerian youths will continue to drive positive change.

    “We acknowledge President Tinubu’s recognition of Hon. Olawande Wisdom’s fidelity to service, zest for excellence, and dedication to advancing youth matters. This upgrade reinforces the administration’s focus on youth development and underscores Hon. Olawande Wisdom’s capabilities.

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    “The Pan-African Youth Union and the Forum of Special Advisers to Governors in Nigeria pledge our continued support to Hon. Olawande Wisdom and President Tinubu’s vision for youth empowerment.

    “Thank you, President Tinubu, for this inspired decision,” he wrote.

  • Forum thanks Tinubu over appointments of Olawande, Asefon Sunday

    Forum thanks Tinubu over appointments of Olawande, Asefon Sunday

    A  forum of former NANS leaders has thanked President Bola Tinubu over the appointments of Mr. Ayo Olawande as Minister of Youth (State) and Asefon Dayo Sunday as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement.

    The foruum spoke after a one-day conference  at the TOPRANK Hotels, Abuja.

    It also congratulated the new NANS President, Lucky Emenof. 

    The leaders appreciated President Tinubu on his choices of appointment particularly in the Youth and Student constituencies.

    In a statement by its convener, Wole Badmus, and Secretary, Olayinka Dada, the Forum said: ” We are particularly gladdened with the appointments of Mr. Ayo Olawande as Minister of Youth (State) and Asefon Dayo Sunday as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement.

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    “We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding it worthy to appoint real youths as Ministers in the Youth Ministry. This is a clear departure from the old norm of appointing elders without any knowledge of the current challenges our youths daily encounter in a fast emerging digital revolution sweeping across the globe.

    “We are therefore committed to putting these appointees on their toes by supporting them with required ideas that can positively impact on their official responsibilities and also justifying the enormous trust reposed in them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The Forum added that Nigeria urgently requires reforms especially in the education, health care, agriculture, transportation, petroleum, mining sectors and rejigging of the security architecture in meeting challenges of the modern world.

    It expressed satisfaction with interventions so far made by the President Tinubu as it affects Nigerian students.

    It said: “The student loan programme initiated by his administration within short days of assumption of office is very encouraging and his directive to Tertiary Institutions not to hike school fees amidst worsening economic situation of parents is timely and relieving.

    “With the appointment of one of us, Asefon Sunday, a former President of NANS, active community leader in his Ado-Ekiti Local Government, dedicated and hardworking youth, we are sure of unprecedented developmental strides through the experience and untainted commitment he will bring to bear. We like to remind Comrade Asefon Dayo Sunday that his new office is for all irrespective of political, tribal and religious beliefs. We will work with him in developing a master plan that will be beneficial to students.

    “Our Forum is committed to his success and the growth of Nigerian students who are his primary constituency since education is the light of the world and without it there will be total darkness”.

    It urged President Tinubu to consider policies targeted at the youth/ constituency in de-escalating mounting security challenges confronting the nation. “Empowering the youth and ensuring access to learning, deliberate drift of graduates into small and medium scale businesses are key to engaging these volatile constituencies to productive ventures that will help boost economic growth of the people as well as expanding the economic prosperity of our nation. We are hopeful that the President with his choices of appointments in these key areas will make a positive difference,” the forum said. 

    The forum continued: “Interestingly, as observed by the forum and haven been briefed on recent outcome of the NANS election which held at the old parade ground, Area 10, Abuja on December 1st, 2023, the forum wish to formally congratulate the newly elected leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) where Com. Lucky Emenofe of College of Education, Warri, Delta State emerged as President and task the elected executives to be diligent in pursuing pro student advocacies and programs for the betterment of the students constituency.”