A non-governmental organisation, YouthhubAfrica, in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, has called on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to approve without delay a policy designed to address the pressing challenges faced by young people in Abuja.
This appeal was made during a High-Level Youth Engagement Summit held yesterday in Abuja.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, urged policymakers to ensure the inclusion of the unique needs and contributions of women, adolescent girls, children, and women with disabilities within the policy framework.
The policy, titled; “Conscience, Nurtured by Truth”, focuses on key areas such as education, employment, health, and social inclusion. It has been reviewed, validated, and adopted and is now awaiting the minister’s approval for further action. The policy aims to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for the youth across the FCT.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, which YouthhubAfrica organised with support from ActionAid Nigeria, the participants emphasised that the minister’s assent to the policy document is necessary to address the challenges faced by youths across the six area councils of the territory.
“We demand an improvement in the quality of education across the FCT, focusing on providing modern, well-equipped environments. We call for the inclusion of technology and digital literacy in the curriculum to prepare us for the future,” the communiqué stated.
They also requested that scholarships and financial aid be made more accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that no young person is denied education due to financial constraints.
They further demanded improved healthcare facilities and services that cater to the unique health needs of young people, including mental health support, sexual and reproductive health services, and access to affordable healthcare.
Additionally, the communiqué called for implementing comprehensive health education programs in schools and communities to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases.
It also urged the government to intensify efforts to ensure that universal health coverage through the FCT health insurance scheme provides coverage for more young people, particularly young girls and those most at risk.
