By Goodluck Ikiebe in Abuja.
The Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment towards strengthening the bilateral relationship with the Republic of South Africa in the area of youth development.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, stated this in Abuja when the South African Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Maite Nkoane-Mashabene, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
He said that arrangements had been concluded for the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries, with a view to tapping the resourcefulness and greatness of the youth of both countries.
Dare Stated further that “we have the most resourceful youth population in both countries that have become a great asset.
” Government on both sides must have the political will to engage, invest in their skills, create access to credit and finances that will unleash their potentials”.
He said in the realization of the potentialities of the Nigerian youths as asset to sustainable economic growth and development of the country, the President Muhammadu Buhari-ledAdministration had, through the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development of Nigeria last year, approved N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) for young entrepreneurs.
According to him, the move was the youth have access to loans at minimal interest in order to establish and improve their businesses.
He expressed optimism that the signing of the MoU by both countries would not only set a template for other African countries to follow and adopt, but that the partnership would further strengthen both countries in the mineral resources, environment, forests and Woodlands sectors,as well as waste management value chain.
Dare added that the cooperation would also help the two nations to combat the restiveness of their youths and enhance cross fertilization of ideas, opportunities as well as reduce friction among them.
The Minister highlighted the areas of cooperation to include Youth Exchange Programmes on; notable national, international and historic events; National Youth Service initiatives; sharing of best practices on national youth legislation, policies, frameworks and guidelines, among others.
He noted that the agreement would provide succour for youths with disabilities in both countries, exchange of information on technologies, research, development programmes and experts as well as exchange of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Special Education.
Dare described the visit of the South African Minister Our sa precursor for the smooth signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari and his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa to Strengthen Agreement on Youth Development.
Exited by Dada Ahmed.
