The Federal Republic of Nigeria and Bangladesh have reinforced their dedication to empowering Nigerian youth, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
This shared commitment was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Masudur Rahman, to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja. The minister was represented at the meeting by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya.
Ministry’s Vision for Youth Development
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Mr. Olusanya emphasized the ministry’s unwavering focus on harnessing the innovative and productive potential of Nigerian youth to drive economic growth.
“For us in the Ministry, we are committed to embracing any initiative that enhances the potential of Nigerian youth. The future lies in their hands, and we will do everything possible to transform their lives for a better tomorrow. Youth who are not trained can become a burden to society, and we are determined to prevent such an outcome. A well-empowered youth population is crucial for Nigeria’s progress,” Olusanya stated.
He also underscored the importance of leveraging Bangladesh’s expertise to achieve the ministry’s vision for youth empowerment and economic development.
Bangladesh’s Support and Experience
On his part, High Commissioner Masudur Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria in youth development. He highlighted the critical role of economic diversification and the untapped potential of Nigerian youth, both within the country and in the diaspora.
“Nigerian youth are pivotal to the country’s economic diversification efforts. Through this collaboration, we hope to create platforms for knowledge sharing, research exchange, and skills development in critical areas such as agriculture, technology, and business,” Mr. Rahman stated.
He further pointed to Bangladesh’s successful diversification model, suggesting it as a viable pathway for Nigeria to expand its export base and promote value addition in various sectors.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties for Sustainable Growth
This partnership signifies a major milestone in fostering bilateral relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh. It aims to unlock opportunities for youth empowerment, facilitate knowledge transfer, and promote sustainable economic growth.
By leveraging shared expertise and resources, both nations are poised to equip Nigerian youth with the skills and opportunities necessary to drive innovation, economic diversification, and long-term prosperity.
