Kwara Holds Maiden Engagement Meeting on NJFP
The Kwara State Ministry of Youth Development has held its first stakeholders’ engagement meeting on the implementation of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the deployment, monitoring, and management of beneficiaries across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
The meeting brought together Directors of Personnel, Finance and Supply and Staff Officers from the Head of Service and the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), providing a platform for deliberations on the effective coordination, deployment, monitoring, and welfare of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu, explained that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme was established to equip young Nigerians with practical workplace experience and hands-on skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive labour market.
He noted that the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice, thereby enhancing the employability and productivity of Nigerian youths.
Ambassador Ndanusa reiterated the need for effective monitoring of fellows posted to various MDAs to ensure that the objectives of the programme are fully achieved. He stressed that all beneficiaries must demonstrate commitment, diligence, and professionalism throughout the fellowship period.
The Commissioner also expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON, for his unwavering commitment to youth development and human capital advancement.
He commended the Governor’s visionary leadership in positioning Kwara State as a strategic partner in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, noting that the collaboration reflects the administration’s determination to create meaningful opportunities for young people to gain relevant workplace experience, develop professional competence, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the state.
Ambassador Ndanusa further stated that the support of Gov AbdulRazaq has continued to attract impactful development programmes and partnerships to Kwara State, particularly those targeted at empowering youths through skills development, innovation, and employment opportunities.
The Commissioner further warned that the government would not condone absenteeism or indiscipline, emphasizing that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to beneficiaries who fail to report to their duty posts or violate the guidelines of the programme.
In his presentation, the Director of Youth Development, Alhaji Abdulsalam Akeem highlighted the academic qualifications and educational backgrounds of the successful fellows, noting that the beneficiaries were carefully selected through a transparent and merit-based process.
He also underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure seamless deployment, supervision, and evaluation of the fellows throughout the programme.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply of the Ministry, Hajia Okanla Kuburat Atinuke, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner, the Directors, Staff Officers, and all participants for their valuable contributions and commitment towards the successful implementation of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme.
She urged all stakeholders to sustain the spirit of collaboration in ensuring that the programme achieves its objective of empowering young Nigerians with practical skills and meaningful work experience.
Oluwaseyi Folusho Esther
Assistant Press Secretary
Ministry of Youth Development
0703 539 3884.