Abuja – June 17, 2025
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, on Tuesday received the National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura, in his office at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, where both leaders discussed critical issues bordering on youth and women empowerment across Nigeria.
The meeting, which underscores the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to inclusive national development, focused on deepening collaboration between government institutions and civil society organisations to address the pressing challenges facing women and young people—particularly in education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and social welfare.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Comrade Olawande emphasized the central role women play in national growth and the need to equip them with the necessary support to uplift future generations.
“We cannot talk about youth development without strengthening the structures that support women, because women are builders of homes, values, and communities. Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with the NCWS to ensure Nigerian women, especially at the grassroots, are empowered alongside our young population,” he stated.
Princess Edna Azura, in her remarks, congratulated the Minister on his progressive initiatives so far and pledged NCWS’s readiness to partner with the Ministry in implementing sustainable programs that will enhance the welfare of women and girls, particularly in rural areas.
“The NCWS remains a strong voice for Nigerian women, and we are happy to align our national projects with the Ministry’s vision to ensure no woman or youth is left behind,” Azura noted.
The strategic meeting ended with a mutual agreement to explore joint programmes that would promote entrepreneurship, leadership mentorship, digital inclusion, and mental health support for both women and youths across the federation.
This latest engagement comes amid growing calls for government-civil society partnerships to foster inclusive governance, enhance policy implementation, and reduce the socio-economic disparities affecting vulnerable groups nationwide.
