Ayodele Olawande

I was delighted to return to the Life After School Summit 2026 organised by the @NoellaFoundatn , having also participated in last year's edition. It is inspiring to see how this initiative continues to grow, attracting more young people, stronger partnerships and even greater impact with each passing year. The journey from the classroom to the workplace is one that requires guidance, skills, exposure and opportunity. That is why platforms like the Life After School Summit remain so important. They equip young Nigerians with the confidence, knowledge and connections they need to navigate life beyond graduation and build meaningful careers. This aligns with our commitment at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to create pathways for young people through initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), YouthCred and other programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Together with committed partners like the Noella Foundation, we are ensuring that more young Nigerians are not only ready for the future, but fully equipped to shape it. I commend the Noella Foundation, specifically Mrs @layaltinubu, for sustaining this remarkable initiative and look forward to seeing it continue to expand its reach and transform even more lives in the years ahead. #LifeAfterSchool2026 #YouthDevelopment #NiYA #RenewedHope

Earlier today, I was honoured to deliver a goodwill message at the Youth Town Hall during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week, an important initiative of the Office of the Speaker aimed at opening Parliament to citizens, especially young people, and deepening public participation in our democracy. I commend the Speaker of the House of Representatives, @Speaker_Abbas and the entire National Assembly for creating this platform where young Nigerians can ask questions, share ideas and contribute to decisions that shape their future. At the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, we share this same vision. Through the Youth Help Desk, Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), YouthCred, Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) and the Youth in Agriculture Land Trust Fund, we are creating opportunities for young people not only to engage government, but to see the government, feel the government and touch the government through programmes that directly impact their lives. Government should never feel distant from the people it serves. The more platforms we create for engagement, the more we build trust, expand opportunities and give every young Nigerian a stronger sense of belonging. Big thanks once again to the Speaker and the National Assembly for making this happen. This is the kind of engagement young people want to see more of.

Today, I received the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, as we strengthened our partnership to ensure more young Nigerians are included in our country's growing digital economy. A trusted digital identity is no longer optional. It is the key to accessing education, jobs, entrepreneurship support, healthcare, financial services and many government opportunities. With the NIMC Act, 2026 now in place, we are committed to expanding NIN enrolment, promoting digital identity awareness and integrating digital identity into youth-focused programmes so that no young person is left behind.

I was pleased to attend the inauguration of the new leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Beyond the ceremony, the gathering was another reminder of the strength, energy and important place of Nigerian students in our national development. I congratulate the new leadership and urge them to see this mandate as a call to service, dialogue and responsible representation. The voice of Nigerian students matters, and we must continue to create room for that voice to be heard and respected. Congratulations to the new NANS leadership. I wish you a successful tenure.

Today, I had the pleasure of receiving the Future Assured Excellence Award from Future Assured with Tinubu. I am grateful for the recognition, which I see as further encouragement to keep working for the growth, inclusion and progress of young Nigerians. I also received the team from Octoville Development Company Limited for a useful discussion on areas of shared interest. Every engagement is an opportunity to listen, build partnerships and explore practical ideas that can open more doors for Nigerian youth. #RenewedHope

Today, I joined sons and daughters of Akure at the Akure-Speaking Communities’ Development Summit 2026 with a simple message: the future of Akure is a responsibility we all share. Government must do its part, but we must also ask ourselves: what are we doing for our own community? This is the spirit behind my support for the Light Up Akure Project, because we should not only complain about darkness when we can help provide light. I also spoke directly to my fellow young people: our contribution to Akure must go beyond politics, support for politicians and arguments on social media. We can do more. Our success should be measured by how our individual progress contributes to collective progress. The future we seek is a smart, inclusive and progressive Akure-speaking community where no one is forgotten; where young people have a voice, women have opportunities, elders are respected, businesses grow, streets are safe, the environment is clean, and development reaches every part of our communities. Indeed, working together, I believe we can build a future of greater progress and greater glory for Akure land.

It is a pleasure to receive the top management of the Nigerian Institute of Management in my office today as I was presented with a Chartered Membership Certificate. The engagement was both symbolic and practical, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening professional standards and advancing effective leadership in public service. This milestone carries added significance. It underscores the importance of institutional discipline, strategic management, and ethical governance in shaping policies and programmes that empower young Nigerians. Strengthening my professional grounding in management directly supports the broader mandate of delivering structured, impactful, and accountable youth development initiatives across the country. I remain grateful for this recognition and the continued partnership in building stronger leadership capacity for national development. Thank you, NIM.

My attention has been drawn to some media reports following my brief appearance earlier this morning on Channels TV regarding the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly on the issue of the proposed uniform. For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform. For the record, what we are considering are different options that tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride. No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design. As with every aspect of the ongoing NYSC reforms, any eventual decision will be guided by extensive stakeholder engagement and what best serves the interests of the Scheme and the nation. I respectfully urge Nigerians to continue to engage with the ongoing NYSC reform conversation based on its broader objectives and the immense benefits it holds for our young people and our country. The reforms are designed to make the Scheme more relevant to today's realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers. While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development. I appreciate the constructive feedback and assure Nigerians that every proposal will continue to be carefully considered in the best interest of the nation.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your visionary leadership and unwavering belief in the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. This historic reform marks the most far-reaching transformation of the NYSC since its establishment over five decades ago. By repositioning the Scheme from a mobilisation programme to a platform for skills, employability, enterprise and national development, Your Excellency has laid the foundation for a generation of young Nigerians who are better equipped to build, innovate and lead. We are deeply honoured by your confidence in the Ministry of Youth Development and remain fully committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to faithfully implement this bold reform agenda. The future of our youth is brighter because of your leadership, and we will ensure that this vision translates into lasting opportunities and measurable impact for every Nigerian graduate. Thank you, Mr. President.

I am happy to report that the Federal Executive Council today approved the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the first holistic review of the Scheme in its 53-year history. For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of national unity and service. Today, we have taken a bold step to preserve that legacy while preparing it for the future. We are transforming the Scheme into a platform that not only unites Nigeria but also equips our young people with the skills, experience and opportunities they need to thrive in a fast-changing world. The approved reforms will reposition the NYSC as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of building a $1 trillion economy. Some of the landmark reforms include: 1. A technology-driven call-up process. 2. Risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members. 3. A redesigned six-week orientation programme with stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills and specialised career streams. 4. Skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways. 5. Modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support. 6. Improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system. 7. A new graduation ceremony to replace Passing Out Parade, and redesigned NYSC uniform that reflect professionalism and national pride. This reform journey began in 2025 through a broad-based, multi-stakeholder review involving the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. Today, that hard work has received the endorsement of the Federal Executive Council. Council also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to commence the amendment of the NYSC Act and its regulations to give legal effect to these reforms and enable their implementation. This is more than a reform of an institution. It is an investment in Nigeria's greatest asset, our young people. The future of the NYSC begins now, and it is brighter, more relevant and more impactful than ever. #NYSCReform #YouthDevelopment #RenewedHope #BuildingTheFuture

APPLAUSE FOR OSASERE OKUNDAYE, NIGERIA'S YOUNGEST CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria's youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers, set new records, and inspire a generation to dream bigger and strive for excellence. I also congratulate her parents, family, teachers, mentors, and everyone who has supported and guided her journey. Their encouragement, sacrifices, and belief in her abilities have undoubtedly contributed to this exceptional success. As the Federal Ministry of Youth Development continues to champion policies and programmes that empower young people to realise their full potential, Osasere's achievement reinforces our confidence that the future of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused, determined, and talented young citizens. On behalf of the Ministry, I congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on this historic feat and wish her even greater success in the years ahead. May her story continue to inspire millions of young Nigerians to pursue excellence with courage, diligence, and integrity.

As we revived the Commonwealth Postgraduate Programme in Youth Development Work after many years, I was proud to be inducted as a PhD student in Commonwealth Youth Development Work at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja), alongside youth development officers from all 36 states, the FCT, and our Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro. As I said during the induction programme, building the future of our young people requires more than passion; it requires trained professionals with the right knowledge, skills, and tools to deliver lasting impact. As a Ministry, we remain committed to making youth work a recognised and respected profession while strengthening policies, research, and global best practices for the benefit of Nigerian youth. I encourage every participant to make the most of this opportunity. The knowledge we gain is an investment in the future of millions of young Nigerians. Together, we will continue to build the youth and build the nation. #BuildTheYouthBuildTheNation #YouthDevelopment

Our Youth Data Protection and Training programme received a major boost today as I joined Meta and other stakeholders at the Nigeria Youth Online Safety Summit in Abuja. As young Nigerians increasingly use digital platforms to learn, create, do business, and access opportunities, it is important that they also have the knowledge and tools to stay safe online. I highlighted the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s National Youth Data Protection and Awareness Training Programme, which is equipping young people with the skills to protect their personal data, safeguard their digital identities, recognise online threats, use technology responsibly and also create jobs in the growing data protection sector. Through partnerships like this, we are strengthening our commitment to ensuring that Nigerian youth are not only digitally connected, but also digitally aware, digitally responsible, and digitally protected. I look forward to deeper collaboration with Meta and other partners as we work together to build a safer digital space where young people can learn, innovate, and thrive. #YouthDevelopment #OnlineSafety #DigitalSkills #DataProtection #NiYA #NigerianYouth

Today, I had the honour of delivering the keynote address at the World Bank Group Africa West (AFW) Youth Forum in Abuja, where I joined development partners, stakeholders, and young leaders in discussing practical pathways to youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Nigeria is a young nation, with the majority of our population under the age of 35. This presents both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity. The future of our economy depends on how well we invest in, support, and empower our young people today. At the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, we remain focused on creating opportunities that equip young Nigerians with the skills, resources, and confidence needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), digital skills programmes, entrepreneurship support, and strategic partnerships, we are connecting young people to opportunities across technology, agriculture, the creative economy, manufacturing, sports, and other growth sectors. I also emphasized that government cannot do it alone. Sustainable youth development requires strong collaboration between government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society. Together, we can expand access to skills, create jobs, and unlock the immense potential of Nigeria's youth population. I commend the World Bank Group for providing this important platform for dialogue and action. Most importantly, I encourage every young Nigerian to keep learning, keep innovating, and keep believing in their potential to aid the prosperity and development of our dear nation. #YouthDevelopment #NiYA #WorldBankYouthForum #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsForTheFuture