The Federal Government is fully committed to translating the diverse and evolving expectations of Nigerian youth into actionable policies that address their specific needs and aspirations, says Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim.

Speaking at the Nigerian Youth Consultative Forum, “the Summit of the Future,” held at the United Nations House Auditorium in Abuja, Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of capturing the views and expectations of young Nigerians while collectively addressing their challenges.

“This forum is dedicated to capturing the views and expectations of the youth while collectively addressing their challenges to create a future where every young Nigerian can flourish,” she said.

Dr. Ibrahim highlighted the forum’s primary objective: to gather and comprehensively understand the diverse views of the youth and address their pertinent challenges.

“They are committed to laying the groundwork for a future where every young Nigerian cannot only succeed but also flourish and reach their full potential,” she stated.

Acknowledging the complexities of Nigeria’s challenges, Dr. Ibrahim expressed optimism about the future.

“Nigeria’s challenges are complex, but they are not insurmountable. By harnessing the power of technology, fostering entrepreneurship, and championing education and skills development, we can create a vibrant ecosystem where young Nigerians can thrive. We must also prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that our initiatives benefit every segment of society, including marginalized and vulnerable groups,” she added.

Dr. Ibrahim encouraged young people to be bold in their ideas, fearless in their advocacy, and relentless in their pursuit of a better future.

“This platform amplifies the voices of Nigerian youth and brings solutions to their problems,” she noted.

She further explained that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires more than just governmental effort; it demands the active participation of every citizen, especially the youth.

“The journey towards these goals is collective, and your role as a young leader cannot be overstated,” she said.

Earlier, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative and United Nations Resident Coordinator Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo emphasized the summit’s role in reaffirming a commitment to a multilateral approach that benefits all people and regions.

“The future summit will be based on the 2023 SDG Summit and it will enhance global cooperation which will eventually accelerate progress on the 2030 agenda,” Dr. Mulombo stated.