The Coalition of Southeast Youth Leaders, COSEYL, has demanded from the Southeast Governors detailed account of the N11 billion allocated to the five States in the region. The group maintained that the said amount was allocated by the Federal Government for youth empowerment and community development programmes in the region.
This was contained in a statement signed by COSEYL President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, on Thursday.
COSEYL in the statement criticized the Southeast Governors for their lack of action with the N11 billion. The group also accused them of indirectly endorsing the ongoing nationwide protest against hunger, hardship and bad governance tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, through their inaction.
COSEYL, therefore, urged the Governors to adopt people-focused programs in their governance. The coalition noted that it is crucial for the Governors to ensure the empowerment of their youths.
“This comes over two months after the Federal Government in May announced the approval of N110 billion to revitalize the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF). The fund is to serve as a cornerstone for youth empowerment for the 2024 fiscal year.
Recall that the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim had announced the approval during the closing ceremony of the Ministry’s Management Retreat on Presidential Priorities and Deliverables with the theme: “Achieving the Eight Presidential Priorities and Deliverables” in Abuja.
Ibrahim had stated that the fund was not just a financial reservoir. But a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship and innovation aimed at bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity.
The Minister had said the Bank of Industry, BoI, would be investing N2.5 billion. And their private sector partners have committed to the balance of the N2.5 billion investment. She had added that the bank will be private sector managed.
She said, “The rehabilitation and transformation of Youth Development Centres across the country are set to commence immediately.
“These centres will be transformed into hubs of technical, digital, and creative skills training. They will serve as bastions of social, political, and cultural engagement, amongst our youths. And sanctuaries for mental health and combating the scourges of substance abuse and social decay.
“By investing in these centres, we are investing in safe spaces that foster the holistic development of the Nigerian youth.”
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