By Juliet Oyoyo

Copyright independent

In setting the stage for the highly anticipated Youth Development Summit scheduled for September 12, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has hosted a high-level pre-summit meeting in Abuja.

The gathering which brought together national and international stakeholders to align on a unified vision: of empowering Nigerian youth through structural reforms, innovative leadership, and strategic partnerships.

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the upcoming youth summit as a launchpad for transformative change not just in Nigeria, but across the African continent.

The Minister used the opportunity to unveil two major institutional developments aimed at tackling systemic youth challenges such as:

Department of Youth Education (Youth Ed): Established to drive educational access and reform, ensuring young Nigerians are equipped with 21st-century skills.

Department of Youth Health, Mental & Physiological Affairs (YHMPA): Launched to address critical issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and overall youth wellness.

He disclosed that these new departments are being supported by over 35 national and international partners, coordinated through the Youth Ed Technical Working Group, comprising Ministry directors and technical advisors.

According to him. “A Shift in the National Youth Narrative, With young people making up over 70% of Nigeria’s population, the Ministry is driving a bold new agenda that moves beyond traditional employment pathways. The focus is now on entrepreneurship, innovation, and human capital development.

Comrade Olawande emphasized the government’s commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers young Nigerians to create jobs, rather than depend solely on government or corporate employment.

He also acknowledged the support of key international collaborators, including:

International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA)

International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF)

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

African Union Nigeria

United Nations

World Health Organization (WHO)

“These strategic alliances not only reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in youth development on the continent but also align with the African Union’s youth empowerment agenda.

Speaking at the event, ISA Jafar, leader of the youth health delegation, highlighted a pressing challenge: despite their passion and commitment, youth-led health movements continue to face limited resources and lack representation in policymaking spaces.

“The upcoming Africa Youth Health Summit responds directly to this issue by offering a platform for collaboration, learning, and action. Backed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and in partnership with Africa CDC, the initiative aims to formalize youth participation in health leadership and policy development across Africa. He stated.