To strengthen youth inclusion in national development, the minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, and the senior special assistant to the President on Student Affairs paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in Abuja, where they were received by the acting executive chairman of the commission, Hon. Kayode Oladele.
During the visit, Hon. Olawande commended the FCC for its unwavering commitment to fairness, equity, and justice, principles he described as vital to Nigeria’s unity and progress. “The work of the FCC is critical to national cohesion and inclusive development,” he said, while expressing optimism that the engagement would pave the way for stronger collaboration between the ministry and the commission.
The minister noted that the familiarisation visit was an important step towards building institutional synergy, especially considering that most Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) operate within the regulatory framework of the FCC. He expressed the willingness of the ministry to work closely with the commission to ensure youth are fairly represented in public service and development programmes.
In his remarks, Hon. Kayode Oladele, the acting chairman of the FCC, warmly welcomed the minister and his team, stating that the visit marked the beginning of a strategic partnership dedicated to promoting generational inclusion, equitable opportunities, and national development. He described the engagement as more than ceremonial, but one rooted in the shared vision of building a just, united, and prosperous Nigeria.
Oladele emphasised that the FCC’s constitutional mandate goes beyond ethnic or regional considerations, focusing instead on justice, balance, and national integration, with youth and students occupying a central role. “Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are change agents of today. Any nation that fails to harness the potential of its youth does so at its own peril,” he said.
The acting chairman lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting major initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and educational access. These include the Youth Development Fund, support for tech innovation hubs, vocational education reforms, the establishment of new universities, and the landmark Student Loan Scheme, designed to eliminate financial barriers to higher education.
He further stressed the importance of youth employment and generational inclusion in federal recruitment and appointments, noting that “no economic or social transformation can be meaningful or sustainable without tackling youth unemployment head-on.”
Oladele also called attention to the responsibilities of private companies and NGOs, reminding all stakeholders that the principle of federal character applies beyond the public sector. “Equity and inclusion are national values that must be upheld across all sectors to achieve true unity and cohesion,” he said.
Drawing from his own experience as a former student activist and human rights advocate, Oladele underscored the power of youth voices in shaping national progress. “When young people are given a platform, they can help reshape the destiny of a nation,” he remarked.
He concluded by assuring both the minister of youth and the SSA on student affairs of the FCC’s readiness to work collaboratively in promoting fairness in education, student programmes, employment, and policy inclusion, adding that this partnership would further advance the dreams of Nigerian youth and strengthen the bonds of national unity.
