By Aisha Gambo
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with Lafiya Programme and other stakeholders, on Monday began the final process of reviewing and validating the state’s Youth Policy aimed at strengthening youth development.
The commissioner for Youth Development, Gloria Ibrahim, said the review became necessary following the expiration of the previous youth policy last year.
Ibrahim said the initiative was in line with efforts by the administration of Governor Uba Sani to improve the lifestyle and overall well-being of youths in the state.
According to her, youths remain a priority for the present administration.
“You know the youth are very dear to this present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani.
“All we are doing in the Ministry of Youth Development is to find ways to improve the lifestyle and quality of life of the youth of Kaduna State.
“That has been our mandate since the creation of the ministry,” she said.
The commissioner explained that the review process, being carried out in collaboration with the Lafiya Programme and other stakeholders, is aimed at producing a robust policy document that reflects the needs and aspirations of young people across the state.
She added that the state government had also introduced various empowerment programmes for youths, including educational support, material assistance and mental health interventions.
Also speaking, the executive director of Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, Yusuf Goje, said the review process involved extensive consultations with stakeholders.
Goje said participants at the validation meeting included representatives of government institutions, youth-led organisations, academia, civil society groups, the media, religious youth groups and youth leaders of political parties.
He explained that the previous youth policy faced implementation challenges after the former Ministry of Youth and Sports was scrapped and the youth component moved to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development.
According to him, the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Youth Development by the current administration has restored the institutional capacity required to effectively implement the policy.
Similarly, the president of the Association of Students with Disabilities, Aaron Samaila, described the policy review as a welcome development aimed at strengthening youth development in the state.
Samaila noted that one of the major gaps identified is the absence of reliable data on youths with disabilities in the state.
He said the availability of such data would enable the government to design more inclusive programmes and policies for young people with disabilities.
