In a bid to foster greater inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has successfully secured a commitment from the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Ibrahim, to implement the 10% Presidential Inclusion Policy for PWDs.
Addressing stakeholders during a pivotal meeting, Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust between young people and the government. She underscored that tangible commitments, not just discussions, are essential in restoring this trust. To this end, she announced significant initiatives aimed at empowering Nigerian youths, including the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund and National Youth Development Bank to provide access to funds and grants for youth-led business ventures.
Furthermore, Dr. Ibrahim disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved the establishment of the Presidential Initiative on Youth Enterprise Clusters, alongside a mandate for 30% youth involvement in governance. These initiatives, she explained, aim to harness the collective potential of young Nigerians, enabling them to benefit from economies of scale and aggregate resources within their respective clusters.
The Minister reiterated her commitment to institutionalizing these initiatives by sending an executive bill to the National Assembly for passage into law. She emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders, highlighting that the meeting was the first in a series of interactions aimed at fostering collaboration and support between the Ministry and youth leaders.
In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Umar Ahmed, assured young Nigerians of the Ministry’s openness to collaboration and support. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to holding regular engagements with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of youth-focused initiatives.
Dr. Abubakar Sadiq, the convener of the meeting, emphasized the significance of the gathering in providing a platform for meaningful interaction between key stakeholders and the Minister. He stressed the importance of youth participation in shaping policies and programs that affect their future, noting the high expectations placed on the Ministry by young Nigerians.
As the dialogue continues, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact these initiatives will have on the lives of Nigerian youths, including persons with disabilities. The commitment demonstrated by the Minister and her team reflects a concerted effort towards building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
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