Prioritise policies supporting holistic youth devt., NGO urges Tinubu

An NGO, Advocacy for Positive Behavioural Patterns Initiative (APBPI), has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise policies that support holistic development of the country's youth. Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NGO, Mrs Christiana-Adedoja Tanimola, stated this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday. Tanimola said that investing in the younger generation of the country was crucial for the nation's growth, prosperity and stability. According to her, Nigerians envision a country where the young people thrive, reach their full potential and contribute positively to the society. Tanimola said that Nigerians were in need of a country where youths would be empowered to become responsible citizens and leaders, and where Nigeria would become a model for positive behavioural patterns globally. 'On behalf of APBPI, we congratulate you on your first anniversary in office. We acknowledge your efforts to address the challenges facing our nation. 'As a beha vioural-based non-profit organisation focusing on promoting positive values among young Nigerians, we urge your administration to prioritise policies that support the holistic development of our youths. 'We believe that investing in the younger generation is crucial for our nation's growth, prosperity and stability,'' she stated. Tanimola particularly recommended to the president policies that would promote positive behavioural patterns among teens and youth, and enhance access to quality education and skill acquisition. She also called for improved healthcare and social welfare services for young people as well as empowering them to become responsible citizens and leaders. The executive director also urged Tinubu to address the issues of mental health and wellbeing of young Nigerians, and reduce crime and criminal activities among them. According to her, the establishment of modern libraries in all the 774 local government areas in the country will provide young people access to knowledge, information a nd resources, thus aiding their development. Tanimola said that the NGO had observed that some ministries and agencies were supporting great initiatives for the youth. She said that with sustained support in this direction, the young people would achieve great things and contribute positively to the nation's development. Tanimola, however, said that the NGO would be looking forward to seeing meaningful policies and initiatives that would benefit the younger generation and position Nigeria as a leader in positive behavioural patterns. Source: News Agency of Nigeria