BREAKING: Ayodele Olawande Takes Helm as Youth Minister Amid Jubilation
By Gambo Jagindi
October 23, 2024
In a move hailed by youth leaders nationwide, Ayodele Olawande has been confirmed as the substantive Minister of Youth Development, replacing Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim The news sparked mass jubilation, with many celebrating Olawande’s appointment as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s youth.
Youth leaders across the country have expressed confidence in Olawande’s ability to drive positive change and empowerment .
Rikki Nwajiofor, Speaker of Ndigbo Youth Parliament, congratulated Olawande, describing him as a “workaholic Minister who understands the language of the streets.”
Olawande’s confirmation is seen as a significant milestone, promising a new era of youth development and engagement. His leadership is expected to focus on initiatives that address the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s young people.
Youth leaders praise Olawande for his humility and being accessible, a welcome change from his predecessor. His commitment to youth development is evident in initiatives like the “Youth4Youth” agenda, which reflects his dedication to deploying youthful energy to serve the youth constituency
Olawande’s understanding of the youths and their needs is expected to help President Bola Tinubu’s administration address challenges affecting Nigerian youth. He has been proactive in engaging with young people, visiting NYSC Orientation Camps, and launching the Corpreneur Support Initiative to provide startup grants to corps members
Youth Gender base activist, Kehinde Awujoola also listed some of his achievements to include Partnering with NITDA to train 30 million youths in digital literacy, Collaborated with the Presidential initiative on CNG to deliver CNG powdered tricycles to 2,000 informal youths in the transportation sector and also Partnered with NAICOM to train one million youths, expanding career opportunities in insurance.
Recently, Olawande vacated his seat for a day in honor of the Girl Child, demonstrating his dedication to promoting equality and opportunities for all youths. As PAN African Vice President Oladele John Nihi noted, with Olawande’s promotion, Nigerian youths have “recovered their ministry.”
As Olawande assumes office, the nation’s youth eagerly anticipate transformative policies and initiatives that will shape their futures. With his confirmation, a new chapter begins for Nigeria’s youth, filled with promise and possibility.