_By Orumwense Sarah O_
In a bid to strengthen partnerships with organizations dedicated to youth development and empowerment, the Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Zubairu Dada Abubakar, has reiterated the State Government’s commitment to youth development in the State.
Abubakar gave the assurance in his office in Benin City, while playing host to members of Smile Africa International Youth Development Initiative and the Ogbemudia Bassey Osagie Empowerment and Leadership Foundation.
The Commissioner pledged support for the groups, acknowledging the importance of partnerships in empowering young people, while requesting that the Ministry be furnished with appropriate information on the various initiatives of the organizations, in order to facilitate areas of collaborations.
Smile Africa International Youth Development Initiative, led by its Executive Director, Mr. Purpose Osamwonyi Iserhienrhien, emphasized the need for inclusion of vulnerable groups in the Ministry’s activities, proposing 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 the Project Manager, Deborah Omomo, said the foundation aims to assist and organize programs for youths in the State, to improve leadership quality and contribute positively to national growth, leveraging agriculture for self-sufficiency. 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 like Smile Africa International Youth Development Initiative and the Ogbemudia Bassey Osagie Empowerment and Leadership Foundation, with a shared goal of empowering and protecting the well-being of young people in the State.
