The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated a nationwide registration exercise for youths aged 15 to 35, aiming to create a comprehensive database of young Nigerians. The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, launched the National Youth Data Bank project in Abuja, emphasizing its importance in connecting youths with opportunities in both public and private sectors. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between the government and the youth population.
The registration exercise will cover youths in formal and informal sectors, including agriculture, sports, creative industries, and technology. According to Olawande, reliable data on young Nigerians will enable the government to improve planning and implementation of youth programs. The database will help answer critical questions about young Nigerians, such as their skills, locations, and needed opportunities. This move is part of a continuous government program, not tied to electoral purposes.
The Managing Director of POGMA Nigeria Limited, Otunba Oluyinka Akerele, stated that registration points have been created in educational institutions and will be extended to local government areas and wards nationwide. The exercise targets youths in secondary schools, polytechnics, universities, colleges of education, informal sectors, and rural communities. Akerele emphasized the importance of youth participation, encouraging them to register and benefit from government programs.
Enumerators will be deployed across 774 local government areas to register youths, including those in hard-to-reach communities. Akerele assured that the registration process is open to Nigerians aged 15 to 35, in line with the Nigerian Youth Policy. He added that the database will be regularly updated, capturing those below 15 when they attain the eligible age.
The National Youth Data Bank project aims to provide a platform for youths to access opportunities and government programs. By registering, youths will be identified, and their skills, needs, and locations will be documented. This initiative is expected to enhance the planning and implementation of youth programs, ultimately improving the lives of young Nigerians.
According to Akerele, the registration exercise is a crucial step towards creating a comprehensive database of young Nigerians. He encouraged youths to participate, emphasizing that registration will enable them to benefit from government programs and dividends of democracy. The exercise is a collaborative effort between the government and POGMA Nigeria Limited.
The Federal Government's initiative has generated interest among young Nigerians, who see it as an opportunity to access government programs and improve their lives. The National Youth Data Bank project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of young Nigerians, providing them with a platform to access opportunities and government programs.
Key points
- The registration exercise targets youths aged 15-35 in formal and informal sectors.
- The National Youth Data Bank project aims to bridge the gap between the government and the youth population.
- Enumerators will be deployed across 774 local government areas to register youths.
