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, VGADA, Dr Hope Omeiza in his congratulatory message on Friday in Abuja, said that it was a move, expected to bolster the fight against drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the promotion was announced during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Olawande’s career.
Omeiza said that Olawande’s expertise and passion for youth empowerment made him an ideal fit for the role.
He said that Olawande’s well-deserved promotion was a shining testament to his tireless dedication to Nigeria’s youth and his invaluable contributions to Tinubu’s visionary Renewed Hope Agenda.
This, he said, prioritised national security, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation, education, and youth empowerment, among others.
“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 served as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Development, Olawande made huge waves. He called on relevant bodies to join forces in combating drug abuse.
“He has always emphasised the need to equip youths with the right skills and mindset to resist unproductive trends.
“Our endorsement of Olawande’s appointment underscores the organisation’s confidence in his ability to drive positive change.
“Having Olawande at the helm, Nigeria’s youth stand to benefit from innovative programmes and initiatives that prioritise their well-being and development,” he said.
The VGADA boss expressed confidence that Olawande would make valuable contributions in his new role, bringing a positive impact to Nigeria’s youth development.
“As we mark this significant milestone, we eagerly anticipate Olawande’s sustained dedication to crafting innovative policies and initiatives that will empower Nigerian’s youth, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.
“VGADA is fully committed to backing Olawande in his new role and partnering with him on projects that will promote a thriving and equitable Nigeria,” he said.(NAN)
