Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthen efforts to fight corruption and retore back the Zero-Corruption society especially among the young Nigerians.
Olawande said this in on Monday in Abuja when United Nations on Drugs and Crimes UNODC representative Cheikh Taoure visited him in his office on the occasion of United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day.
The 2024 Anti Corruption Day has it theme: “Uniting with youth against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”
Minister expressed that, President Bola Tinubu is determined to strengthen the fight against corruption at all levels and ensure prudent utilis resources for sustainable economy and growth.
According to him, Today is more than just a day on the calendar; it is an opportunity to renew our commitment to tackle the challenges that corruption has created in our society.
As the Minister for Youth Development, I am aware that corruption has greatly reduced the trust that young Nigerians have in the system that is meant to serve them. Under this administration, we are determined to rebuild that trust.
“For years, young people have always had the feeling of being left out. They do not believe that the government is sincere. They cannot feel the government, they cannot touch the government. This Must change.”
Speaking further, the minister said that th lack of constant engagement with the youth is one of the reasons for frequent protests and low patriotism among young people that is government is doing all possible to ensure time to time engagement with Nigerian Youth..
” In response to these urgent issues, I am pleased to again present the Nigerian Youth Help Desk as a platform dedicated to giving the youth voices, they need and the avenue to address corruption and improve access to justice”
“This initiative serves as a direct link between young Nigerians and critical decision-makers, especially on issues that affect young people. It is a platform where they can report cases of corruption, seek justice, and receive help for drug-related issues and mental health.
“To strengthen our efforts, we have partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Together, we are building a more effective response to the challenges our youth face, and we are creating safe spaces and empowering young people with the knowledge to protect themselves.
“The Help Desk is not just a platform, it is a confirmation that this administration sees, hears, and values our youth.”
In his earlier remarked, the United Nations on Drugs and Crimes UNODC Representative Cheikh Taoure commended Ayodele, for his demonstrated commitment to youth initiatives in Nigeria and the swift response to the recommendations of young people in Nigeria.
He said .”I am particularly appreciative of our joint collaboration in bring together youths to proffer solutions to good governance in their country. Beyond that, through your leadership, they learned (or are learning) important ways to better engage with and build trust in government.
He therefore reiterated the continuous commitment of UNODC in working with the Ministry in identifying potential areas of collaboration especially those aimed at
strengthening youth against corruption and address crimes including drug abuse, human trafficking, cybercrime as well as violent extremism.”
