By Muhd D Haidar
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has charged youth to embrace dialogue and be involved in result oriented initiatives for self-development and nation building.
The Minister took charge when he received a delegation of Forum of Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants to Governors led by Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Hon. Titi Gbadamosi, in Ship House, Abuja.
Badaru stated that the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR are geared towards improving the lives of Nigerians.
He noted that part of the bold step he took was the autonomy granted to the local governments for effective, accountable development at the grass roots and strengthening accessible governance for the people.
Badaru added that the President has also given different levels of palliatives, like social security intervention to states (sub-nationals), post-subsidy removal presidential grants, and loan schemes to support Nigerians through their state governments.
The Minister recalled that the Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) and other Skilled-Up Artisans Initiatives (SUPA) were put in place, especially for the youth’s development.
Badaru advised the youths to collaborate with the ministries of information and agencies orientation for publicity, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Youths, the Minister coordinating the national economy and finance, and other agencies like BOA, Bank of Industries and SMEDAN to key into the programmes and initiatives they have for youth.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Hon. Titi Gbadamosi Initiatives, said the Forum is committed to advancing youth across the continent by fostering dialogue, innovation and collaboration.
According to her, the event is slated to take place on October 1 and 2, 2024, at the International Conference Center, Abuja. She added that it is designed to catalyze the active participation of Nigerian youth in nation building and economic empowerment.
Signed: Mati Ali.
PA Media & Publicity to the Hon. Minister