Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has emphasized the FCT Administration’s dedication to youth development as a key driver for sustainable progress. Speaking in Abuja on Monday during her message to the youth in commemoration of the 2024 International Youth Day, Mahmoud underscored the administration’s efforts under the leadership of FCT Minister Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Mahmoud highlighted that Minister Wike had secured President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the creation of a Youth Development Secretariat, with a youth appointed as its Mandate Secretary. This initiative reflects the Wike-led FCT Administration’s commitment to youth empowerment in alignment with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Recognizing the youth as a catalyst for sustainable development, the minister urged stakeholders to collaborate with the FCT Administration in harnessing the potential of the youth. She emphasized the importance of providing quality education, recreational and sporting facilities, and implementing youth empowerment programs to achieve maximum results.
“Let us all get the youths seriously involved in the task of nation-building and socio-economic development, because when you build the youth, you are building the nation,” Mahmoud stated. She further noted that the FCT Administration is fully aware of the consequences of merely paying lip service to youth advancement and is committed to rekindling the hope of its youth for a secure future.
The minister also advised the youth to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation when engaging with the government, emphasizing that dialogue fosters mutual understanding and is an effective tool in crisis management.
Addressing the theme of the 2024 International Youth Day, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” Mahmoud stressed the significance of digital technology in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She noted that the campaign aims to spotlight digital initiatives led by youth, which not only connect millions of people but also bring about social change and benefit disadvantaged communities.
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12 to draw attention to youth-related issues and to encourage governments and stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and development of young people.
