Minister urges beneficiaries to harness $1.6m grant for national development
By Justina Auta
The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, on Monday urged recipients of the $1.6 million Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) 2024 Grant Cycle to harness impactful initiatives that would contribute to national development.
Ibrahim delivered this charge during the official unveiling of the NYFF grant in Abuja, highlighting the collaborative efforts led by LEAP Africa and funded by prominent organisations.
They include the MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Luminate Group.
The initiative, boasting a budget of $6 million over five years, underscores a steadfast commitment to investing in the leadership and potential of Nigerian youths.
The minister emphasised that the fund symbolises more than a financial commitment, expressing confidence in the leadership capabilities of the nation’s youth.
“It is rooted in the belief that by empowering our youths with the right resources and opportunities, we are shaping the architects of our nation’s medium and long-term developmental plans,” she affirmed.
Recalling LEAP Africa’s previous disbursement of $600,000 grants in 2022, the minister commended the organization’s strengthened commitment, allocating $1.2 million to 160 grantees nationwide this year.
She stressed the importance of going beyond conventional approaches, focusing on outcome-driven policy engagements and inclusive resourcing for meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
The NYFF, designed to equip youths with knowledge and skills in critical sectors, aims to create youth-centric platforms amplifying the voice of the Nigerian youth.
The minister emphasised that the fund covers key sectors such as good governance, sustainable development, and infrastructure, addressing fundamental questions of unity, empathy, and patriotism.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, underscored the strategic investment in the nation’s future through these grants, emphasising the transformative impact on the voices and dreams of young Nigerians.
Kehinde Ayeni, Deputy Director of LEAP Africa, revealed plans to allocate $1.2 million over the next 12 months to nearly 200 organisations or individuals, marking a significant step toward realising the fund’s purpose and fostering progress among Nigeria’s youth.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola
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