The Senate will on Monday hold a roundtable dialogue on youth unemployment and development in the country to review the efficacy of policies, programmes and other interventions intended to reduce the political marginalization and support the development needs of today’s youth.
The Media Office of the President of the Senate, in a statement in Abuja noted that Nigeria’s recent economic downturn has exposed the challenges that millions of young people face in starting their lives and finding their rightful place in society.
It stated that while youth unemployment rates are at historic highs, efforts to diversify the economy has created uncertainty about the skills building and training needs tomorrow’s work force needs to acquire today.
“Youth development has serious political, economic and social implications for Nigerian society,” according to the statement, “This is a critical issue that requires the collaboration of government, the private sector and civil society” it said.
“All must come together to listen, discuss and better understand how central youth development is to our country’s overall stability and national security.
“For this reason, the Senate has decided to conduct a roundtable to hear from the public and private sector, ideas for moving the issue of youth development to the center of the national discussion about Nigeria’s political and economic future.
“Not only is Nigeria changing, but the world is rapidly becoming more competitive and technologically advanced.”
Towards this end, the Senate has invited ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that implement the Federal Government’s youth development and employment programmes.
Also, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and private sector organizations that are on the frontline of youth advocacy and programme activities would participate.
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Besides, panelists will discuss their missions related to youth development and share insights about the challenges they are facing with programme implementation in the face of the current affairs affecting youth.
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Dr. Saraki, on Saturday, congratulated the Nigerian Super Eagles and all Nigerians on the nation’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to hold in Russia next year.
Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said that he was in Uyo and witnessed firsthand the dedication, poise and consistency of our players, adding that these attributes of the team have given hope to all Nigerians that our team will represent Africa well at the next World Cup.
“I want to congratulate our players for the way they played throughout the whole qualifying phase,” the Senate President said.
“From the way that they continue to play and improve, it is my hope, and the hope of millions across the country that our Super Eagles will represent our nation and the continent well at next year’s World Cup.”
The Senate President also stated that the Senate would work to ensure that our players are well equipped and well-prepared for the 2018 outing.
He also urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports to not take their feet off the pedal ahead of 2018.
“Right now, we must begin to plan and work towards victory for our Super Eagles”, Saraki said.
“They have made us proud on the field, now, the NFF, the Ministry of Sports, the sponsors, and all concerned stakeholders must work together to ensure that our players and the team thrives at the World Cup.
“As our players continue to make us all proud and demonstrate the greatness in our diversity, I want to also congratulate all Nigerians. We can truly achieve great things when we work and stand together.”
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