By Ibironke Ariyo
The Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s wise decision to appoint Ayodele Olawande as the Minister of Youth Development.
The Executive Director of VGADA, Dr. Hope Omeiza, in her congratulatory message on Friday in Abuja, said this was a move aimed at strengthening the fight against drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the promotion was announced at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in Abuja, marking a major milestone in Olawande’s career.
Omeiza said Olawande’s experience and passion for youth empowerment made him the ideal person for the job.
He said Olawande’s well-deserved promotion was a shining testimony to his unwavering commitment to the youth of Nigeria and his invaluable contributions to Tinubu’s visionary Renewed Hope program.
According to him, national security, economy, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, transportation, education and training of young people are among the priorities.
“We warmly congratulate Olawande on his well-deserved appointment as Minister of Youth Development, a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerian youths.
“When he was Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Development, Olawande made a lot of noise. He appealed to the relevant authorities to join forces in the fight against drug abuse.
“He always emphasized the need to equip the youth with the right skills and attitudes to resist unproductive tendencies.
“Our support for Olawande’s appointment underlines the organization’s confidence in his ability to drive positive change.
“With Olawande at the helm, young Nigerians will benefit from innovative programs and initiatives that prioritize their well-being and development,” he said.
The VGADA boss expressed confidence that Olawande would make valuable contributions in his new role and make a positive impact on the development of the Nigerian youth.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to Olawande’s continued commitment to developing innovative policies and initiatives that empower Nigeria’s youth, fostering a better future for generations to come.
“VGADA is fully committed to supporting Olawande in his new role and collaborating with him on projects that promote a prosperous and equitable Nigeria,” he said.