The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking review of the National Youth Policy (2019–2023) as stakeholders from across the Southwest geopolitical zone gathered in Akure, Ondo State, for a two-day Zonal Consultative Meeting.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who was represented by the Director of Education, Youth and Development, Mr. Kabir Mohammed, delivered this assurance at the Southwest Zonal Consultative Meeting held from February 20–21, 2026.
In his address, the Minister underscored the significance of the National Youth Policy as the central framework guiding youth empowerment, participation in governance, education, skills development, employment, health, innovation, and social inclusion. He noted that since its adoption, the policy has played a pivotal role in shaping youth-focused interventions nationwide.
He emphasized that a review of the policy has become imperative in light of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving social, economic, and technological landscape. According to him, the review aims to ensure that the policy remains responsive to emerging realities, addresses current and future challenges, and reflects the aspirations of Nigerian youth.
Describing the Southwest as a region of immense demographic strength, rich cultural heritage, and significant economic potential, the Minister highlighted the importance of inputs from stakeholders in the zone. He stressed that their contributions are vital to producing a revised policy that is inclusive, practical, regionally adaptable, and nationally coherent.
The consultative meeting, he explained, provides a platform for robust engagement, enabling participants to identify gaps in the existing policy and propose evidence-based recommendations. He encouraged youth representatives, civil society organisations, development partners, academics, and government officials to actively contribute to shaping a comprehensive and impactful policy document.
The Minister further noted that the revised policy will align with relevant regional and international frameworks, including the African Youth Charter, in line with global best practices in youth development.
In her remarks, the Director of Youth, Mrs. Olukemi Okukpe, who represented the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Henry Owoyofunmi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth development and commended the Federal Ministry for adopting a consultative approach in reviewing the policy.
The Southwest Zonal Consultative Meeting forms part of the nationwide stakeholder engagement process aimed at producing a renewed and responsive National Youth Policy that effectively addresses the needs and aspirations of young people across Nigeria.
