Youth Minister promises to tackle youth unemployment

Report from Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

The Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna has disclosed that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan is set to put in place robust measures which would significantly reduce the menace of youth unemployment in the country through the national youth policy.

While speaking during a courtesy call to him in his office in Abuja very recently by the delegation of members of Villanova Old Boys Association; the Minister expressed sadness at the unfortunate death of some youths during the Immigration recruitment exercise. He revealed that he was depressed at the news of the incident, promising that he would be more committed to alleviating the plight of millions of unemployed youths in the Country.

Mr. Haruna opined that the Ministry under him was working assiduously towards putting measures in place that will seek to develop the entrepreneurial skills and potentials of the youth. He reasoned that with adequate entrepreneurial skills and provision of funds, it would be possible for the Government through the national youth policy to reduce the number of unemployed youths significantly. 

He disclosed that his passion would be to realize this strategic objective, stating that the NYSC would provide a veritable platform to achieve this goal.  The Minister also disclosed that the NYSC would be reviewed to deliver on the mandate of empowering youths to create jobs for self-employment and employ others, thereby reducing poverty.

The Minister noted that Nigerian youths were dynamic and resourceful and as such can have their energy re-channeled towards more creative ventures.  He stated that unless this was done, unemployment would be a potential bomb, stating that the Ministry would demonstrate more passion and commitment towards addressing it.

He seized the occasion to console the families of the youths who lost their lives and promised to devote his time towards formulation of development programmes for the youth sector under the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Earlier, Haruna thanked the delegation of the Villanova Old Boys Association for paying him the visit.  He pledged to fulfill the divine purpose which God has sent him to work in the Ministry at this particular time. 

The 26 Member delegation of the Association was led by Engr. Dennis Goje.