The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has declared that youth empowerment is no longer optional but a strategic imperative for nation-building, warning that Nigeria must invest deliberately in its young population to tackle unemployment, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges.
The minister spoke against the backdrop of rising youth unemployment, increasing insecurity and the growing number of out-of-school children across the country.
Represented by the director of planning at the ministry, Mr Anthony Chukwuka, Olawande made the remarks at the official launch of the Chief of the Air Staff Youth Empowerment Programme (CASYEP) for youths in Nigerian Air Force barracks.
He commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, for initiating what he described as a visionary and impactful programme, while reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to policies and initiatives that prioritise the growth, empowerment and advancement of Nigerian youths.
According to the minister, CASYEP represents more than a welfare initiative, describing it as a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s future through human capital development.
“CASYEP is not merely a programme but a deliberate and strategic investment in human capital development and, by extension, in the future of our nation. It reflects a profound understanding that the strength of any nation lies in its ability to nurture and empower its younger generation,” he said.
Olawande explained that the programme was specifically designed to develop the potential of children of serving, retired and deceased Nigerian Air Force personnel by providing them with opportunities for learning, self-development and career advancement.
He said the initiative goes beyond conventional welfare programmes by creating structured pathways for growth while reinforcing the bond between the Air Force and its personnel.
The minister praised the programme’s emphasis on skills acquisition, mentorship, educational support, leadership development and exposure to emerging opportunities in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“It is clear that this programme is designed not just to empower, but to equip young people with the tools required to thrive in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive global environment. The infusion of discipline, resilience, and excellence, core values synonymous with the Nigerian Air Force, ensures that beneficiaries are grounded in character as much as they are enriched in capability,” he added.
Olawande said the Ministry of Youth Development has prioritised interventions aimed at promoting employability, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and leadership development among Nigerian youths.
According to him, the programme’s focus on entrepreneurship aligns with the federal government’s efforts to produce a new generation of job creators capable of stimulating economic growth and reducing dependence on limited formal employment opportunities.
“Youth empowerment is no longer optional; it is a strategic imperative. Nations that invest in their youth population position themselves for sustained progress, security, and prosperity. CASYEP stands as a model of how institutional initiatives can be effectively aligned with national priorities to deliver tangible and lasting impact,” the minister said.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said CASYEP was deliberately conceived to uplift, inspire and equip young people living within Nigerian Air Force base communities with the skills and opportunities required to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
He described the launch as “the ignition of hope, the unlocking of latent potential, and a renewed commitment to the welfare and future of Nigerian Air Force personnel and their families.”
According to Aneke, the programme reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s recognition that the strength of any military institution depends not only on operational capability but also on the welfare, development and empowerment of its personnel and their families.
The Air Chief disclosed that the initiative holds personal significance because he himself grew up in the barracks.
“This is because today, I stand before you not only as the Chief of the Air Staff, but as someone shaped by the very environment this programme seeks to uplift and empower. I am a proud product of the barracks. My father, through dedication and discipline, rose to the rank of Air Warrant Officer, and I spent my formative years moving from one NAF Base to another.
“I grew up within the same system that many of these young beneficiaries call home today. From that experience, I understand both the strengths and the limitations of barracks life. While it instils discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of identity, it can also present challenges associated with frequent relocations, limited exposure and fewer opportunities for personal and professional growth,” he said.
Aneke recalled that his admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy changed the course of his life, noting that many of his contemporaries were not as fortunate.
“Fortunately for me and by sheer providence and the grace of God, I found my path into the Nigerian Defence Academy which changed the trajectory of my life.
“As I reflect on my own journey, I am reminded that many of my peers, equally gifted, equally determined, did not have the same opportunities. Some could not pursue higher education beyond secondary school level. Others completed their studies up to tertiary level but struggled to find meaningful employment, while a few drifted into negative vices.
“Their struggles and experiences left a lasting impression on me and strengthened my conviction that if opportuned, I will find a way to support the children of our personnel, who are brave men and women who bear the silent weight of deployments, relocations and the sacrifices that come with military service. This is the reality that inspired the vision behind CASYEP,” he said.
Aneke urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
“Your background is not a limitation. Rather it is a foundation that should fuel your determination to succeed. The discipline and resilience you have gained from growing up in the barracks are invaluable assets that should guide you on your journey to excellence,” he said.
He also appealed to parents, guardians and commanders to support the initiative, stressing that its success would depend on collective efforts to mentor and nurture the beneficiaries.