The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna has expressed the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with the Sri Lanka Government in order to harness the rich potentials of the youths.
Mr. Haruna disclosed this when he received in audience the High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. A. S. P. Liyanage who paid him a courtesy call in his office recently.
He expressed the view that the Ministry could collaborate with Sri Lanka in area of capacity and entrepreneurial driven to empower and develop the teeming youths in Nigeria and Sri Lanka adding that when the youths acquire requisite skills they contribute to the wealth of the nation.
He emphasized that about 60 percent of the Nigerian population is made up of youth who are vibrant, resourceful and dynamic which calls for a concerted efforts of the government at all levels, well meaning individuals as well as voluntary organizations to groom the youth, adding that the youth are the future leaders of any nation.
The Minister revealed that unemployment among the youth is one of the most challenging problems facing Nigeria. He added that Nigerian government will therefore welcome any deliberate effort by Sri Lanka government to share ideas and experiences on how best to solve it.
Mr. A.S.P. Liyanage disclosed that the purpose of his visit was to invite the Minister to attend the forthcoming World Conference on Youth – 2014 to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 6th-10thMay, 2014.
In another development, the Minister received in audience, official of the Nigerian Centenary celebration who came to congratulate him on his appointment as the Minister of Youth Development. They were led by the National Coordinator, Chuks Chilaka.
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