The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has led the Federal Government in signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) aimed at revitalizing Youth Development Centres across N

igeria.

The MoU signing ceremony, held in Abuja, marks a significant step in the Ministry’s renewed drive to reposition youth facilities as functional hubs for skills acquisition, innovation, and national development.

Speaking at the event, Hon Olawande said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development. He noted that many youth centres across the country have suffered years of neglect, stressing that the collaboration with APDC will introduce technical expertise, private-sector efficiency, and innovative funding models to restore them to full functionality.

According to the Minister, the partnership represents a shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive youth development framework. He explained that the scope of the MoU covers project design, training and capacity building, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as resource mobilization, with a strong focus on transforming youth centres nationwide.

Hon Olawande added that the revitalized centres will be converted into modern, fit-for-purpose training and incubation hubs delivering vocational, technical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills aligned with high-demand sectors of the economy. He said the centres will also serve as platforms for innovation, mentorship, and market access for young Nigerians.

He further stated that the initiative will strengthen the Ministry’s institutional capacity in donor engagement, project execution, and results-based monitoring and evaluation, ensuring measurable impact and value for public investment. He described the MoU as a practical pathway for translating youth development policies into actionable, results-driven programmes capable of addressing unemployment, skills gaps, and limited access to finance.

Akure Youth Media (AYM) commends the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon Ayodele Olawande, for championing this bold initiative, which signals a new era of practical investment in youth infrastructure and capacity building. AYM notes that the revitalization of youth centres nationwide will not only empower young Nigerians with relevant skills but also strengthen their role as drivers of economic growth and national progress.