Joel Ajayi 

In a decisive move to prioritize the well-being of the nation’s youth, the Federal Government has officially launched YO! Health a youth-focused health awareness initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health.

The program was unveiled by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The initiative addresses growing health concerns among young people by providing access to credible health information, encouraging preventive healthcare, and promoting mental, sexual, and physical well-being.

Comrade Olawande emphasized that good health is essential for young people to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. He explained that YO! Health is designed to improve access to essential health services while promoting awareness, education, and preventive care. It also aims to strengthen mental health advocacy, encourage healthier lifestyles, and foster active community participation among youth.

“This initiative is built on six strategic pillars: Mental Health; Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse; Communicable Diseases; Health Insurance (especially for youth in the informal sector); Non-Communicable Diseases; and Sexual & Reproductive Health,” Olawande stated.

He noted that these pillars were not selected arbitrarily but are grounded in data and informed by the lived experiences and authentic voices of young Nigerians across the country. The initiative is guided by four core objectives: Raising Awareness, Empowering Youth, Advocacy and Policy Influence, and Co-Design and Implementation.

Olawande further highlighted that YO! Health is a collaborative effort, involving the Federal Ministries of Health and Women Affairs, alongside partners from civil society, international development agencies, the private sector, and youth organizations.

The Minister commended the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all partners for their continued support and commitment to the initiative.

Also speaking at the launch, Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, described the initiative as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to creating an environment where young people can thrive mentally, physically, and emotionally.

He added that the initiative offers a comprehensive and structured framework to address critical aspects of youth health, grounded in the belief that the well-being of young people is the cornerstone of national progress and prosperity.

FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA 

Kaduna State House of Assembly has enacted a bill to establish the  State Senior Secondary Schools Education Board.

The new legislation came under the framework of the 9-3-4 educational system mandated by the National Assembly.

The bill was adopted after a report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and member representing Zaria City Constituency, Mahmud Lawal.

Lawal emphasised the necessity for each state to either amend existing laws or create new regulations to manage senior secondary education effectively.

“This law is designed to regulate the operation of senior secondary schools in Kaduna State and integrate the responsibilities of the Teachers Service Board,” Lawal explained.

The lawmaker noted that the establishment of the new board positions Kaduna State to access federal government resources aimed at enhancing senior secondary education.

In addition to the approval of the education board law, the Assembly conducted the second reading of a bill proposing the establishment of the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences, located in Saminaka.

Another bill aimed at amending the Kaduna State Traditional Institution Law No. 21 of 2021 also progressed to  second reading.

Chairman of the Committee on Information and  member representing Jaba Constituency, Henry Marah, highlighted that the amendment to the Traditional Institution Law was intended to fortify the roles of traditional leaders, while promoting peace and coexistence within communities.

He clarified that while the bill would not cover every aspect of traditional governance, it seeks to improve institutional affairs and enhance security measures in the region.

However, these legislative developments signal a commitment to advance education and traditional governance in Kaduna State.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under her Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI,  has provided financial grants, farm inputs and implements to 531 farmers in Zamfara State.

Senator Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Zamfara State governor, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, made this known on Thursday at an event to round up the RHI programme held in Gusau.

“The noble initiative has lit a torch of empowerment that will continue to shine across our homes, schools and communities. 

“In the past few days, we have seen true transformation of women and youths, who engaged in extensive training in modern sack farming, fish farming, goat farming and poultry farming, amongst others.

“These are not just skills, but keys to economic independence and food security for the nation.”

According to the president’s wife, 25 women who stood out during the programme were empowered with N200,000 cash grant each and essential gardening tools.

“Also, 35 passionate women have been selected to champion this initiative across our communities, thereby creating a ripple effect of growth, food production and sustainability, ” she said.

She added that the initiative had also commissioned 160 students from eight schools across the state into the Young Farmers Club.

“Each school has its own farm  within its premises, also a solar powered borehole, gardening tools and start-up funds for maintenance was provided, ” she said.

She disclosed  that the  empowerment ceremony provided grants to 201 women and 110 young men under the ‘Women and Youth in Agriculture Programme.’ 

“Each of them will receive ₦50,000 start-up capital, a starter pack tailored to their selected farming area and access to modern farming tools.

“Such tools include rice mills, power tillers, sprayers, dill mills, wheelbarrows, water pumps and much more,” the first lady said.

She urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to better their lot and the society at large.

“My people, the future is green, let us embrace this path of growth, self-reliance and sustainability.

“Let us water the seeds planted today; so that they may grow into a harvest of blessings for generations to come”, she added. (NAN)