The Minister of Youth Development, Oyedele Olawande, has announced a collaborative effort with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish a Youth Desk Office aimed at tackling issues affecting young Nigerians.
Speaking during the International Anti-Corruption Day event, the minister emphasized the critical role of this initiative in empowering the youth and addressing corruption.
He noted that: “The Nigerian Youth Aid Desk is not just a platform; it is a confirmation that this administration sees, hears, and values the youth.”
Olawande, while describing the initiative as a direct link between young Nigerians and decision-makers, providing avenues for reporting corruption, seeking justice, and accessing help for drug-related issues, noted that the collaboration with UNODC, “will create a safe and empowering space for young people, equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves from societal vices.
He said: “Together, we are building a more effective response to the challenges facing our youth and creating safe spaces for their development.”
Highlighting the administration’s commitment, Olawande noted that the platform is part of broader efforts to rebuild trust between the government and the youth. He said: “Under this administration, we are determined to rebuild the trust that has been lost. For years, young people have felt left out, but we believe things must change.”
The minister also reflected on the lessons learned from youth protests, including the #EndSARS movement, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement. “The lack of constant engagement with the youth is one reason for protests and the low trust in government. This initiative is a step towards bridging that gap,” he explained.
Olawande extended his gratitude to UNODC for its partnership and called for further collaboration across sectors. He said: “We need open collaborations to ensure the government remains transparent and inclusive. Together, we can make this country proud.”
The Help Desk platform comprises several initiatives designed to reach young people across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory. Olawande emphasized the administration’s commitment: “With ongoing collaboration with UNODC, we will extend this initiative to local governments. Nigerian youth should access justice wherever they are. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to young Nigerians everywhere, regardless of their background.”
The Youth Desk Office, now operational under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is expected to enhance the government’s responsiveness to youth concerns, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and participatory governance structure.
In his earlier remarks, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to youth-centered initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in the fight against corruption.
Toure outlined UNODC’s focus on working with the Ministry of Youth Development to address key issues such as drug abuse, human trafficking, cybercrime, and violent extremism.
UNODC Nigeria Country Representative, commended the Minister’s rapid response to youth recommendations. “Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the vanguard of change today. The Nigerian Youth Help Desk empowers the largest demographic to be agents of accountability, bridging the gap between aspiration and action. And I believe by harnessing their energy and potential, we forge a path to justice, security, and progress for all Nigerians. Everyone must embrace this initiative as a catalyst for transformation, recognizing that when we invest in our youth, we invest in the very foundation of our nation’s future,” he affirmed.
Youth champions against corruption, Mr Mubarak Idris and Ms Calista Njoku expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by FMYD and UNODC. They emphasized the readiness of Nigerian youth to build trust and collaborate more effectively with the Federal Government when provided with meaningful participation opportunities.
This year’s Anti-Corruption Day theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” highlights the pivotal role of young people in fostering transparency and accountability.
