The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to embark on concrete programmes for the nation’s teeming youths that would make them the true leaders of tomorrow.
The Chairman House Committee on Youths Development, Mr Yemi Adaramodu made the call when the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare appeared before the Committee to defend the 2022 budget estimates of the Ministry.
The lawmaker put the responsibility of championing the cause squarely on the doorstep of the ministry.
Mr Yemi Adaramodu said for Nigerian youths to be leaders, there must be deliberate action from the leadership of the country, especially the youths Ministry.
“It’s like sowing a seed in the lives of Nigerian youths. When you sow a seed, you expect that seed to germinate and grow into a big tree whereby fruits can grow. Over the years, the government of President Buhari has created a lot of activities and programs to enhance the lives of Nigerian youths”. The Minister stated.
The Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, said about 6054 Nigerians have benefited from the N75 billion youths investment fund.
The Minister noted that the best way to solve the problem of unemployment is investing in the youths.
He pointed out that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was empowering the youths to develop requisite skills and knowledge that would make them self-reliant.
Mr Dare, disclosed that the Federal Government is investing in the youth through various Youths Intervention programes.
On the 2021 budget implementation, the Minister said that government approved N25 billion for Youths intervention programes and when properly utilized, would impact on the youths positively.
He maintained that the Ministry hoped to complete 12, out of the 48 youth development centres across the six geopolitical zones in 2022.
Reporting by Ibrahim Shehu; Editing by Adeniyi Bakare