Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has pledged to support the process of passage and Presidential assent to Nigerian Peace Corps Establishment Bill currently before the National Assembly.
Olawande made the pledge when he received a delegation of the Corps led by its National Commandant, Dr. Dickson Akoh, on courtesy visit to his office to congratulate him as well as solicit his support.
He acknowledged the crucial role the Corps could play not just in youth empowerment but also in immense contributions to the peace and security of the nation through positive youth engagement.
He said: “Whatever we can do to the work in the Senate and once the bill is passed, Mr. President is a listening President, he will listen to us. We will do all that is necessary to see that everything turns to good for the benefit of the nation”.
Earlier, the National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr. Dickson Akoh, solicited the support of the Minister vis- à-vis the Federal Government for the institutionalization of the organization, which he noted has been in existence for over two decades.
Akoh informed the Minister that while the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Bill, the same awaits concurrence by the Senate.
He underscored the importance of empowering the youths and how this could crystallize into a peaceful and secure nation.
He commended the Ministry of Youth for the policy framework being developed to set up a Youth Bank, saying it was not only a necessity but timely as the socio-economic benefits of such a Bank could not be overemphasized.
“The concept of the Bank as being initiated by your Ministry will go a long way in fostering genuine youth empowerment, promoting leadership, and social responsibility. It will also provide a platform for the youth to make meaningful contributions to nation-building while developing valuable skills and becoming more connected to their communities,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the Minister, the National Patron of the organization, with all its paraphernalia of office.
He said: “In recognizing and appreciating your exceptional record as well as milestone accomplishments; and in view of your position as the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, the Peace Corps Council, being the highest decision-making organ of the Corps deemed it expedient to confer on you this day our most esteemed honour as the National Patron of the organization with all its paraphernalia of office.
“While being excited about the possibility of working together to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our youth and to help build a better future for Nigeria, we look forward to a more robust relationship with you and the Ministry,” he said.
