PRESS RELEASE
February 24, 2026

The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, today presented the Ministry’s 2026 Budget Proposal during a joint session of the National Assembly of Nigeria.
In his presentation, the Minister outlined the Ministry’s proposed budget estimates and highlighted key priority areas for the 2026 fiscal year. These include youth empowerment initiatives, job creation programmes, skills acquisition and vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and the full implementation of strategic interventions aimed at enhancing the socio-economic advancement of Nigerian youths.
Comrade Olawande reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources. He emphasized that the 2026 budget proposal is carefully aligned with the Federal Government’s broader development agenda and tailored to address the pressing needs of young people across the country.
The Minister appealed to members of the legislature for their continued support and cooperation to enable the Ministry effectively deliver on its mandate and scale up impactful programmes that promote innovation, productivity, and sustainable livelihoods among youths.
The joint session provided an opportunity for constructive engagement, as members of the Assembly sought clarifications on programme implementation strategies, performance indicators, and projected outcomes for the 2026 fiscal year. The Minister assured the lawmakers of the Ministry’s readiness to work collaboratively in ensuring measurable results and value for money in all youth-focused interventions.
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