The Federal Government is set to partner with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to tackle drug abuse and mental health among youths in the country.
The collaboration aims to design state initiatives that will address the pressing concern.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, said this when UNODC officials paid him a courtesy visit n Abuja on Monday.
Olawande emphasised the importance of the Nigerian Youth Help Desk, a platform that aimed to give youths a voice, address corruption, and improve justice.
He stated that the partnership with UNODC would focus on prevention of drug abuse and mental health, as well as designing state initiatives to address these issues.
The minister highlighted the need to rebuild trust among young Nigerians, who have been affected by corruption.
“I am honoured to address you on this year’s Anti-Corruption Day, which emphasises the critical role of young people in shaping tomorrow’s integrity.
“Today is more than just a day on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to renew our commitment to tackling the challenges corruption has created in our society.
“As the Minister for Youth, I acknowledge that corruption has eroded trust among young Nigerians in the system meant to serve them.”
He acknowledged that lack of engagement with youths had led to frequent protests and low patriotism.
A Representative of UNODC, Mr Cheikh Toure commended the minister for his commitment to empowering youths.
Toure emphasised the importance of collaboration in strengthening youth against corruption and addressing crimes such as human trafficking, cybercrime, and violent extremism.
NAN
