Sam Philip
A National Youth Bank is underway as the Federal Government has constituted and inaugurated a technical committee to establish the Bank.
The Bank is part of the efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to empower youths and provide opportunities for them to exhibit their potentialities.
At the inauguration ceremony held in the office of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister told the committee members to guide the establishment of the Youth Bank in every critical aspect -its governance structure, operational model, types of financial services it will offer and how it will engage with young people.
Olawande tasked the committee to design the Youth Bank in such a way that it will become a vibrant and sustainable institution.
He said: “The vision for the Youth Bank is to deliver on the Presidential Mandate delegated to the Ministry of Youth Development to create a dynamic platform where young people can access the financial support, resources, and mentorship necessary to translate their ideas into action.
“The Youth Bank is an institution designed to provide young people with not just the financial capital but also the necessary capacity-building, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“The Bank will serve as a platform that empowers youth to become the leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs of both today and tomorrow.”
Present at the inauguration ceremony are the Development Bank of Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, the Ministry of Finance, and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, in his address, observed that many youths have no access to resources, networks, and financial support needed to achieve their aspirations.