Minister Urges Nigerian Youth to Build Skills for Future

On Monday, during the opening of the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) in Abuja, Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, encouraged Nigerian youth to seize emerging opportunities and acquire relevant skills. He emphasized that young people should see themselves as partners in building the country rather than mere beneficiaries of government programs.

The event, organized by Rotary International District 9127, gathered over 600 young Nigerians for leadership training under the theme “Transforming Talents into Impact.” Olawande stated that the current environment in Nigeria is conducive for youth to thrive and urged them to take advantage of available training, empowerment, and digital platforms. He specifically mentioned the Nigerian Youth Academy as a resource for those unable to attend physical training.

Olawande's vision is to cultivate a generation of young Nigerians who are prepared, trusted, and given opportunities to contribute to national development.