FG Launches Youth Empowerment Programmes in Akwa Ibom to Mark World Youth Skills Day
The Federal Government has launched new grassroots-focused youth empowerment initiatives in Akwa Ibom State, marking the state’s first-ever celebration of the United Nations World Youth Skills Day since its global inception in 2015.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, led the commemoration on July 15 in Uyo, where he joined young Nigerians, partners, and stakeholders to mark the occasion.
While Nigeria has observed World Youth Skills Day for the past decade, this marks the first time the event was officially celebrated in Akwa Ibom State.
“This is a momentous occasion, not just nationally but especially for Akwa Ibom, as the state marks this global day for the very first time,” the Minister stated during his remarks.
Olawande emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Akwa Ibom State Government, particularly in building sustainable programmes that can empower young people at the grassroots level.
During the event, the Minister unveiled two major initiatives aimed at enhancing youth engagement and economic empowerment:
NiYA Ambassadors Programme a scheme designed to expand the Nigerian Youth Academy’s impact by creating a network of youth ambassadors who will serve as change agents across local communities.
Bamboo Youth Empowerment Programme an innovative project launched in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Akwa Ibom State Government, and the National Bamboo Farmers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NBFPMAN).
The programme aims to harness the region’s bamboo resources to create jobs, promote climate-smart agriculture, and stimulate green business opportunities.
According to the Ministry, these projects are part of a broader federal strategy to drive youth inclusion in national development, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.
The event also provided a platform for dialogue between federal officials, local authorities, and community leaders, signaling a new phase of youth-focused policy execution at the grassroots level.
