By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Kwara Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has drafted policies for youth development in the state.
The programme was a 2-Day Technical Validation Meeting on Kwara State Youth Policy organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and UNFPA.
Speaking in Ilorin, the Kwara Commissioner for Youth Development, Alhaji Shehu Ndanusa described the collaboration as a milestone for the State.
He emphasised the importance of the youths to every nation, saying that they are the present and the future of the any country.
According to him, the Kwara Government lay emphasis on youth development, adding that the blue print of the collaboration would lead to support, develops, and involves young people in national growth.
He reiterated that the document will speak for youth which sets the priorities, direction, and programs for youth development.
Also speaking, the Kwara Commissioner for the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Dr Mary Arinde stated that the policy is a “declaration and commitment to the priorities, directions and practical supports that a country intends to provide for the development of its young men and women.
Arinde observed that the programme is a significant milestone to shape future of voices and potential of youth in Kwara.
According to her, the drafting of the policy is a demonstration of clarity and determination of the State government for how it supports, develops, and involves young people in growth and development in all sphere.
She added that through dialogue and consensus, the aspirations, concern and challenges of the youth would be magnified.
“The youth policy is a commitment to empower, include and open doors in employment, innovation, health and job creation. The youth are counting on us to deliver hopes and drive progress,” she said.
Arinde also commended Gov. AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq on his youth friendly programmes across the State.
In her Goodwill messages,Mrs Gloria Enueze, the Sexual Reproductive Health Specialist, UNFPA, explained that the Youth Policy sets the priorities, direction, and programs for youth development.
Enueze explained that UNFPA adolescent and youth strategy focuses on promoting rights, health, and development, specifically targeting the empowerment of young people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adolescent health and development are key foundations for a country’s economic development and political stability.
