The Federal Government is set to collaborate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to reposition Nigerian youths in order to reduce unemployment rates.
Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, communicated this when Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, paid her a courtesy visit on Friday in Abuja.
“We want to transform the youth to thrive and catalyse economic development.’’
According to her, the collaboration will bring about a reduction in youth unemployment, an increase in youths with global market demand skills, and an increase in youths participation in social and economic development.
She said the ministry would ensure coordination across all stakeholders in multi-agency youth programmes and resources.
The minister said that they would unveil young leaders institutes and ensure social values and community service for national development.
She said that the ministry would restart the Nigerian Youths Development Fund to enable the young people to access funds.
“If we get approval, it would be one of our goals,’’ she said.
According to her, the ministry will hold a retreat in April in Kaduna.
In her speech, Attafuah said that the country should find out the reason why youths were leaving Nigeria and then try to address the problems.
She said that UNDP was ready to support the ministry to achieve its goals of ensuring that youth have a better future.
Attafuah said skill acquisition should start in schools, as this would enable them to do better after graduation.(NAN)
