The Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Ruqaiyat Wamako, has called for renewed efforts in empowering young people with life skills and entrepreneurship training to secure their future.
She made this known during the closing ceremony of the Empowering Future Community Dialogue organised by Pathfinder International with support from Organon under the Empowering Futures Project. The initiative targets adolescents and young people between the ages of 10 and 24 years, both in and out of school.
Dr Wamako said young people are leaders of today and tomorrow, stressing the need to equip them with practical skills beyond classroom knowledge.
She explained that entrepreneurship remains key to addressing unemployment, noting that young Nigerians should learn to create opportunities for themselves instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.
According to her, promoting locally made products, including food and sanitary items, is vital in reducing dependence on foreign goods and in tackling malnutrition in communities.
She also urged parents, especially mothers, to engage their children in productive activities and closely monitor their use of mobile phones, warning that exposure to harmful online content poses serious risks to youth development.
Earlier, the Regional Portfolio Director of Pathfinder International, Dr Amina Dorayi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to adolescent health and community development in Nigeria. She commended the partnership with the FCT Primary Health Care Board, saying it has consistently demonstrated leadership in improving healthcare delivery and protecting lives.
“We have worked with the FCT Primary Health Care Board not only on this intervention but on many other projects, and they have shown the willingness to improve healthcare delivery, prevent ill health, and protect the lives of our people,” Dr Dorayi said.
She expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community elders, and parents for their support in opening doors for youth engagement and collaboration.
Describing young people as the future of Nigeria and Africa, she urged communities and families to continue supporting adolescents in building life skills and becoming responsible citizens.
The Pathfinder portfolio director further noted that the organisation, which has operated in Nigeria for nearly six decades, will continue to support government and communities in areas such as maternal, newborn and child health, HIV/AIDS reduction, and adolescent wellbeing.
According to her, the Empowering Futures initiative, supported by Organon, is aimed at strengthening community systems while equipping young people with knowledge and skills to thrive. She also called for sustainability of the programme at community level, noting that Pathfinder International will continue to provide technical support and monitor progress.
Dr Dorayi added that the goal is to see young beneficiaries surpass the achievements of the present generation in service to their communities and the nation within the next decade.
In their goodwill remarks, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Aiyemo Theresa, and the Gwarimpa Community District Head, Alhaji Umar Bayero, commended Pathfinder International for the initiative.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to adolescent health in the Federal Capital Territory through effective collaboration.
The Empowering Futures Project focuses on addressing the health and social needs of adolescents through dialogue, mentorship, and community-driven solutions.