By Orumwense Sarah O.
The Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Zubairu Dada Abubakar, has assured representatives of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) of continued State Government’s developmental initiatives towards preparing youths in the State to favourably compete with their peers, globally.
Abubakar who played host to YALI in his office in Benin City, pledged support for its initiatives and objectives, promising to encourage registered youth bodies in the State through the Ministry, to collaborate with YALI.
The Public Relations Officer of YALI, Mrs. Adesuwa, who spoke on behalf of the Coordinator of YALI, Edo State Chapter, Mr. Oluwaseun Adebayo, expressed appreciation to Governor Godwin Obaseki for his commitment to youth empowerment and development in the State. She acknowledged the positive impacts of the State Government’s initiatives on the lives of young people in the State, praising its efforts in creating opportunities for the growth and development of youths.
According to her, “YALI is a youth initiative established in 2010 by the former President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, and the U.S. Department of State, to invest in the next generation of young African leaders. The network spans across all 36 states in Nigeria, with the U.S. Embassy serving as the parent body.
“YALI provides access to free courses for its members to learn on the website daily through YALI Learn. Members also receive training in leadership courses in order to become better leaders and followers, both physically and virtually. Additionally, YALI engages in community impact initiatives, skills acquisition and training, networking, as well as climate change action.”
