Kwara State Government Seeks Support of CBN, NDLEA on Youths Development
Led by the vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, to create job opportunities, empower, and work with necessary agencies to improve the socio-economic capacities of youths, the Kwara State Ministry of Youths Development has been working assiduously to positively impact young citizens in the State.
The Commissioner for Youths Development, Amb. Ndanusa Usman Shehu, made this submission while leading his entourage on a visit to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ilorin Branch, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively, to seek support for youths empowerment initiatives and address the escalating issue of drug abuse among youths in the State.
The Commissioner emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, financial institutions and the drug enforcement agencies to address unemployment and equip young people with the skills and resources necessary for economic self-reliance, while also discussing ways to end illicit use of drugs in the State.
"The youths are the backbone of our economy, and we must provide them with the right opportunities to succeed. We believe that a strong partnership with the CBN will open new doors for young people in the State and beyond," the Commissioner, stated.
The Commissioner explained that many youths in the State had undergone training in Agrobusiness, which involves the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products, which also includes farming and livestock production, food processing, marketing, and the supply chain management.
Speaking further, the Commissioner appealed to the CBN to look into the initiative of giving youths start-up capital as a means to support business oriented vibrant youths.
Amb. Ndanusa, while speaking with the NDLEA boss, expressed concerns about the rate of drug usage amongst youths in the society, seeking support to help reduce and eventually end the abuse of drugs.
He disclosed that the involvement of uniformed voluntary youths organizations (VYO) who are under the tutelage of the Ministry, could provide additional manpower, intelligence, and operational support for the drug enforcement Agency.
"If these VYO's are well-trained, they could assist in drug interdiction, surveillance, and support for the NDLEA operatives," he submitted.
In his response, the Branch Comptroller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Ilorin Branch, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed Manga, noted that the visit of the youth Commissioner and his entourage, marked a significant step towards bridging the gap between financial institutions and youths-focused initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous economic environment for young Nigerians.
He commended the Commissioner for the initiative and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting youths-driven economic growth.
He further reiterated that the CBN is open to collaborations with the State through the various ministries, departments and agencies, while stating that the Central Bank has been giving back to the society through various means.
In the same light, the State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs. Popoola Fatima Abiola, emphasized the importance of joint efforts in advocacy, strengthening grassroots awareness, and providing counseling and rehabilitation services for youths struggling with substance abuse.
She reiterated the importance of educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse and emphasized that illicit use of drugs have harmful effects on physical health, mental well-being, and societal development of youths.
On the entourage of the Commissioner were; the State APC Capacity Youth Leader, Hon. Lawal Sulaiman Duduyemi; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Communications, Hon. Ibraheem Abdulateef; Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Hon. Wasiu Onidugbe; Special Assistant on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control, Hon. Aileru Olamikekan Mukail; Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply of the Ministry, Dr. Mrs Funmilola Adenike Ajide; and Director Youths, Alh. Abdulsalam Akeem. Coordinator, Kwara North Youths Progressive Movement, Abdulkadir Kawu; Coordinator, Kwara Central APC Youths leaders forum, represented by Awayewaserere Abdulfatai; and a former member, Nigerian Youths Parliament, Abdulkareem Abdulkareem.
Oluwafemi Samuel Adeoye
Assistant Press
Secretary
Ministry of Youths Development
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