Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, has urged youths to reconsider their plan to embark on a 10-day protest from August 1, emphasizing the need for peace and stability to address the nation’s challenges.
Ibrahim made the appeal in Abuja while receiving members of the National Students Management Council, led by Sunday Asefon, senior special assistant to the president, according to Peoples Gazette.
She acknowledged the economic hardships facing the country but noted that they are not unique to Nigeria, citing the global economic impact of COVID-19.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of students in national development and highlighted the government’s commitment to their welfare, including initiatives like the student loan scheme and the establishment of a youth development bank to support young entrepreneurs.
She encouraged collaboration between the ministry and the council to address youth and student issues, and announced plans for partnership with the private sector to ensure effective service delivery and sustainability.
“Government is already addressing these issues. The economic hardships that we are facing today are not limited to Nigeria. Since COVID-19 struck, the global economy has not quite recovered,” she said.
“The student loan scheme is one of the profound policies in that direction. The ministry will work with the council in mainstreaming issues of youth and students in the country,” she added.
