The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gender Mobile Initiative, a non-governmental organization focused on preventing gender-based violence, youth engagement, psycho-social support, and capacity building.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, said the partnership would enhance the ministry’s efforts in youth development.
He noted that the initiative is timely, especially as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation recently approved the establishment of two new departments dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of Nigerian youth.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Olawande stated, “When youths are psychologically sound, then other things like employment and empowerment follow. Everything cannot be centered on youth employment and empowerment alone; we must prioritise youth mental health, which is paramount and cannot be taken for granted.”
He emphasized that the initiative comes at a critical moment and pledged that the ministry would develop policies and frameworks to strengthen the new departments and collaborate fully with Gender Mobile Initiative.
“I assure you that every content of the agreement will be implemented for the wellbeing of Nigerian youth because they are the ones who will continue to uplift the country where today’s leaders stop,” Olawande said.
Ms. Omowumi Ogunrotimi, who led the NGO’s team, said the partnership provides a meaningful opportunity to amplify the voices of young people, particularly those silenced by stigma or structural barriers.
“As an initiative, we have always believed that the safety, agency, and leadership of young people are non-negotiable pillars for national transformation. This partnership with the ministry affirms that belief and will build a platform for action,” Ogunrotimi stated.
In his welcome address, the Director of Education at the ministry, Mr. Kabiru Mohammed, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working with the NGO to promote the wellbeing of Nigerian youth.
He emphasized that through such collaborations, young people would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development.
