FG earmarks N110 billion for youths development
By Tada Jutha
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim has said that the N110 billion investment fund is to support the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters (PIYEC) in the country.
According to her, the Youths Investment Fund (YIF) is to develop an ecosystem in each of the six geopolitical zones.
Jamila unveiled the youth enterprise clusters yesterday (Wednesday) at a Town Hall meeting with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members held in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“Part of the investment fund will support PIYEC to tackle the challenges facing our youths,” she said.
She attributed the challenges to insecurity, unemployment, inadequate financial support, and limited opportunities in the various sectors of the economy.
The Minister further disclosed that the youth development initiatives are powered by YIF, stating that the initiatives are implemented in agro-forestry, information and communication technology (ICT), creative industry, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors.
She also announced that special attention be accorded to the Northeast region in addressing the severe devastation of economic disruption caused by the 15-year Boko Haram insurgency.
Jamila, therefore, is assured to work with civil society and youth organisations in the implementation of youths’ various programs and projects.
Governor Babagana Zulum also highlighted the critical roles of the youth in driving the economic growth and development of the country.
He also pledged to host the 7th National Council on Youth Development before the end of this year.
His words: “We’ll continue to emphasise the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes.
“The state government under my distinguished leadership will continue to establish more programs that will support youth development in the state,” Zulum assured.”
The Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Poverty Alleviation, Sayina Buba, said more than 500 meetings across the six states are participating in the town hall meeting, urging them to actively participate in the meeting.
During an interactive session, leaders from the Students’ Union, civil society, and youth representatives urged the federal government to address ongoing issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and poverty.
They also called for palliatives for the youth and an increase in allowances for Corps members.
