Federal government is to begin awareness on the implementation of the Nigeria National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security in Oyo State next month.
Minister For Youth and sports, Mr Sunday Dare made this known in Ibadan at a two day stakeholders mapping workshop on the implementation of the action plan.
Represented by Mr. Adedoyin Oyekan, the minister explained that the National Plan was to reflect the five pillars of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security.
Mr Dare said The NNAP 2021-2024 framework was in its pilot phase of implementation having Adamawa, Abuja, Delta, Kaduna, Oyo and Plateau states as the pilot states, to measure impact and collect data that will guide scaling full implementation to other states.
“We are here today to create awareness on the NNAP-YPS document and to map the stakeholders that we need to engage to implement the NNAP-YPS in Oyo State. We are hopeful that the implementation of the NNAP-YPS will open positive and sustainable opportunities for young people, including the space to express their talents and contribute to lasting peace and development of our great nation, Nigeria” He said
Also speaking, technical lead, development and implementation of the Nigeria National Action Plan on youth, peace and security, Mr Theophilus Ekpon said the Federal government with development partners were already building capacity of stakeholders ahead of the full implementation.
Mr Ekpon said the national action plan advocated youths participation in policy making, protection, reintegration, partnership and prevention from social vices.
He said government would also support youth organizations in the state with small grant to encourage innovations among youths.
“We also hope to work with private organizations who can support youth organizations for youth development, peace and security because without engaging young people, you can’t have security,”
The national action plan which was Launched Novermber 1st last year by the Honourable Minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare was to bring attention to the issues of Youth, Peace and Security, marking a renewed focus on the youth agenda in Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the meeting included Representative of the Oyo State commissioner for youth and sports, Alhaja Aerat Adegbola, Oyo state Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Abdul Quardri Abdulsalam, representative of the NSCDC, media and development partners.
