The Federal Republic of Nigeria and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to youth empowerment, recognizing the vital role of young people in shaping the future of both nations.
This shared resolve was emphasized during a courtesy visit by the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Masudur Rahman, to the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in Abuja.
Representing the minister at the meeting was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya.
Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Olusanya reiterated its dedication to nurturing the innovative and productive potential of Nigerian youth as a catalyst for economic growth.
He stated, “For us in the Ministry, we are committed to embracing any initiative that enhances the potential of Nigerian youth. The future lies in their hands, and we will do everything possible to transform their lives for a better tomorrow. Youth who are not trained can become a burden to society, and we are determined to prevent such an outcome. A well-empowered youth population is crucial for Nigeria’s progress.”
Olusanya also highlighted the ministry’s openness to collaboration, noting the value of leveraging Bangladesh’s expertise to achieve Nigeria’s vision for youth empowerment and economic development.
High Commissioner Rahman, on his part, underscored Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations with Nigeria, particularly in youth development. He emphasized the importance of economic diversification and unlocking the untapped potential of Nigerian youth.
“Nigerian youth are pivotal to the country’s economic diversification efforts. Through this collaboration, we hope to create platforms for knowledge sharing, research exchange, and skills development in critical areas such as agriculture, technology, and business,” Rahman said.
The High Commissioner also pointed to Bangladesh’s successful economic diversification model as an example Nigeria could adopt to expand its export base and promote value addition in various sectors.
