Youth Empowerment Takes Centre Stage as FEC Approves 10% Quota in Government Appointments
The Federal Executive Council has given its nod to the implementation of a 10 per cent youth quota in all government appointments, alongside a move to ensure equitable representation of young women. Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youths, made this announcement following the conclusion of the 4th FEC meeting on Monday in Abuja.
The council’s decision also included the restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the revitalisation of the Youth Investment Fund. Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that this quota system would not only promote youth participation in decision-making processes and civic engagements but also enhance their contribution to the national development agenda.
“I am delighted to announce the council’s second approval for the restructuring and institutionalisation of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund,” Dr. Ibrahim stated. “Since its approval in 2020, we have worked tirelessly to review and restructure this fund, aiming to institutionalise it through a legal framework, leading to the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Fund.”
She further revealed that the council had approved the immediate release of N25 billion from the 2023 supplementary Appropriation Act, in addition to another N25 billion from the 2024 Appropriation Act, under the Youth Development Fund for Development provision in the budget. Furthermore, an additional approval was granted for a N60 billion release from the Central Bank of Nigeria through the agric. investment of small medium enterprises.
“These initiatives are designed to support young businesses and provide significant relief to young individuals across the country,” Dr. Ibrahim affirmed. She added that the implementation of these schemes would involve collaboration with relevant agencies, such as agriculture and food security, creative economy, as well as state governments, among others.
Vanguard News
