FG will tackle challenge of youth unemployment

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, said on Wednesday that the Federal Government remains irrevocably committed to combating youth unemployment in the country.

Dalung gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja in a statement signed by Mr Tolu Makinde, Director Press and Public Relations of the ministry.

It said that the Skill Acquisition and Youth Empowerment Programme for 350 youths was sponsored by Alhaji Sabiu Ibrahim, Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly.

The statement quoted Dalung as saying that no country could achieve greatness without paying adequate attention to burning issues of youth.

He said that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari believes in developing the potentials of the youth, adding that youths are indispensable assets for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

"Therefore Government is doing all within its means to mobilise its resources, vision and creativity for achievement of developmental goals.

"The statistic that 82 per cent of Nigerians are living below poverty line is unacceptable; the APC manifesto on poverty alleviation and youth empowerment will be implemented to the letter,’’ the statement quoted Dalung as saying."

He charged the youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as thugs or used and dumped like wheelbarrows by unscrupulous politicians.

He said that the ministry would explore initiatives geared towards giving financial and entrepreneur training benefits to the youths.