FG partners NGO to boost youth mental health, devt.

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gender Mobile Initiative, a non-governmental organisation focused on gender-based violence prevention, youth engagement, psycho-social support, and capacity building.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday, Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, said the partnership would enhance the ministry’s efforts in youth development.
He noted that the initiative was timely, especially as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation recently approved the establishment of two new departments to address the mental health needs of Nigerian youth.
Represented by Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Olawande stated, “When youths are psychologically sound, then other things like employment and empowerment follow.
“Everything cannot be centered on youth employment and empowerment alone, we must prioritise youth mental health, which is paramount and cannot be taken for granted.”
He emphasised that the initiative came at a critical moment and pledged that the ministry would develop policies and frameworks to strengthen the new departments and collaborate fully with Gender Mobile Initiative.
“I can assure you that every content of the agreement will be implemented for the wellbeing of Nigerian youth, because they are the ones who will continue to uplift the country where today’s leaders stop,” Olawande said.
Ms. Omowumi Ogunrotimi, who led the NGO’s team, said the partnership provided a meaningful opportunity to amplify the voices of young people, particularly those who had been silenced by stigma or structural barriers.
“As an initiative, we have always believed that the safety, agency, and leadership of young people are non-negotiable pillars for national transformation.
“This partnership with the ministry affirms that belief and will build a platform for action,” Ogunrotimi stated.
In his welcome address, the Director of Education at the ministry, Mr Kabiru Mohammed, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working with the NGO to promote the wellbeing of Nigerian youth.
He emphasised that through such collaborations, young people would be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development.