Youth Minister pledges support for passage of Nigerian Peace Corps Bill
The Honourable 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.
Comrade 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.
His words: “We will do whatever we can do to aide 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 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.
Dr Akoh commended the Ministry for the policy framework being developed to setup a Youth Bank, noting that it is not only necessary but timely as the socioeconomic benefits can not be overlooked emphasized. Stressing that the concept of the Bank would go a long way in fostering genuine youth empowerment, promote leadership and social responsibility as it would provide a platform for the youth to make meaningful contributions towards nation building.
The Peace Corps Commandant canvased for Youth Rights Desk which according to him would be central to promoting social justice and equality as well as protecting the rights of young people in the country. He stressed that setting up the youth Rights Desk would aid in addressing the challenges faced by youths, empowering them and promoting inclusive and just society.
High point of the visit was the conferment of an Award on the Honorable Minister, comrade Ayodele Olawande as National Patron of the Peace Corps of Nigeria for his exceptional record as well as milestone accomplishments.
