The Kwara State Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are collaborating in the drafting of policies for youth development in the state.
Towards this end, they are holding a Two-Day Technical Validation Meeting on Kwara State Youth Policy organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and UNFPA.
Speaking in Ilorin, the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Alhaji Shehu Ndanusa described the collaboration as a milestone for the state.
Ndanusa emphasised the importance of the youths to every nation, saying that they are the present and the future of any country.
According to him, the state government places emphasis on youth development, adding that the blueprint of the collaboration will lead to the support, development, and involvement of young people in national growth.
Ndanusa reiterated that the document will speak for the youths as it sets the priorities, direction, and programs for youth development.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for 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 said that the programme is a significant milestone to shape the future of voices and potential of the youths in Kwara.
According to her, the drafting of the policy is a demonstration of clarity and determination of the state government to support, develop and involve young people in growth and development in all spheres.
Arinde added that through dialogue and consensus, the aspirations, concern and challenges of the youths would be magnified.
“The youth policy is a commitment to empower, include and open doors in employment, innovation, health and job creation. The youths 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.
