The Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Honourable Zubairu Dada Abubakar, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to youth development in the state. He made this assurance while receiving members of Smile Africa International Youth Development Initiative and the Ogbemudia Bassey Osagie Empowerment and Leadership Foundation in his office in Benin City.
Commissioner Abubakar pledged support for the groups, acknowledging the importance of partnerships in empowering young people. He requested that the Ministry be furnished with appropriate information on the various initiatives of the organizations to facilitate areas of collaboration.
The Executive Director of Smile Africa International Youth Development Initiative, Mr. Purpose Osamwonyi Iserhienrhien, emphasized the need for inclusion of vulnerable groups in the Ministry’s activities. He proposed collaborations on radio programs to sensitize young people on the dangers of drug abuse.
The Ogbemudia Bassey Osagie Empowerment and Leadership Foundation, an NGO registered in Canada and Nigeria, led by its Operating Officer, Fidelis Uwagboe, and Project Manager, Deborah Omomo, aims to assist and organize programs for youths in the state. Their initiatives include setting up cooperative societies, vocational training, business training, and skills acquisition in rural areas across the state.
The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening partnerships between the Ministry and youth-focused organizations, with a shared goal of empowering and protecting the well-being of young people in the state.
