A pro-government group, Rivers Women Unite for Tinubu, has sought collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Affairs to advance youth empowerment and development initiatives in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
The group’s leader, Ashley Igbara, led a delegation on a familiarisation visit to the ministry in Abuja, where they were received by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ayodele Olawande.
The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the ministry and building a working relationship that would support youth-focused initiatives, including empowerment programmes, capacity building and sustainable development projects.
During the meeting, both parties discussed strategies to deepen youth engagement, particularly in Rivers State, where the group noted an increasing need for programmes that equip young people with practical skills and opportunities.
Igbara said the organisation remained committed to supporting initiatives that empower youths through training, mentorship and grassroots mobilisation.
She emphasised that youth development must remain central to national growth, noting that women groups and community-based organisations have a key role in mobilising support for government programmes.
The Rivers women leader also highlighted the importance of unity and strategic collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that young people across the country benefit from meaningful empowerment initiatives.
She stressed the need to promote skills acquisition programmes under the “One Youth, Two Skills” concept, which she said would equip youths with multiple competencies required to thrive in an evolving economy.
According to her, such initiatives would help reduce unemployment while encouraging entrepreneurship and self-reliance among Nigerian youths.
Responding, Olawande commended the group for its commitment to youth development and grassroots mobilisation.
He assured the delegation that the ministry remained open to partnerships with organisations willing to contribute to youth-focused programmes nationwide.
Both parties expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the ministry and Rivers Women Unite for Tinubu would help drive impactful initiatives for young people in Rivers State and across the country.
