From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The young Population in Kaduna state has taken a major step toward empowerment and relevance by validating the new Kaduna State Youth Policy.
The policy, reviewed and endorsed by stakeholders including youth representatives, civil society organizations, and government officials, aims to address the challenges young people face in the state and create opportunities for their growth.
The validation event, supported by the Lafiya program and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), brought together young people from diverse backgrounds to discuss and finalize the policy document.
Honorable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of youth ownership and accountability in executing the policy.
“This document belongs to you, the youth,” she said. “If it succeeds, it is your success. If it fails, it is your failure. You are the government, and you must take ownership of this policy.”
The review process revealed several issues facing young people in Kaduna State, including unemployment, limited access to education and healthcare, and economic exclusion.
The new policy aims to address these issues through targeted measures, such as job creation, skills training, and social protection programs.
According to Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, the government plans to revisit the age range that qualifies an individual as a youth in the constitution to make it more inclusive for young people in Kaduna State.
Dr. Peter Adamu, the lead consultant for developing the policy, expressed optimism that it will significantly impact young people’s lives in the state.
“We have agreed on about 90% of the policy trust, and we are confident that it will improve the skills, employability, and productivity of young people in Kaduna State,” he said.
The policy also emphasizes the importance of data-driven development, proposing the collection of accurate data on youth demographics, including those with disabilities, to support effective planning.
Yusuf Ishaku Goje, Executive Director of Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, stated that the validation of the youth policy reflects the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to youth development and empowerment.
He noted that both the government and stakeholders are optimistic that the policy will positively influence young lives and contribute to the state’s growth.
“The youth of Kaduna State have pledged to take ownership of the policy and hold the government accountable for its implementation.”
“The future of Kaduna State is bright, and the youth are ready to take the lead in shaping the state’s development.”
Chanan Solomon, a representative of Lafiya programs, reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing support for youth development initiatives in Kaduna State.
“The policy is expected to create positive changes, including increased youth participation in governance, improved access to education and healthcare, and greater economic opportunities,” he said.
“We are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the youth policy is implemented effectively and has a meaningful impact on young people’s lives,” he added.
Sheila Joseph, a gender, peace, and security expert, praised the Kaduna State Government for prioritizing youth development and urged it to allocate sufficient resources for implementing the policy.
She revealed that the government has promised to provide the necessary resources and support for effective implementation.
“I urged young people to take ownership of the policy and hold them accountable for its implementation.”
Sheila emphasized that the validation event was an opportunity for young people to share their concerns and suggestions regarding the policy.
She called for greater inclusivity and active participation in executing the policy.
The validation of the Kaduna State Youth Policy marks a key milestone in the state’s effort to empower its young population. With the policy in place, the government and stakeholders can work together to address challenges and foster development for young people.
