April 11, 2018 – Youth Advocacy Cluster led by YAF held a Policy Dialogue: Youth Development 2019 and Beyond in Uyo aimed at gathering and strengthening political/public commitments for governments to support prioritizing investment in youth development 2019 and beyond. The meeting leveraged on the AKYDFbill as a framework for sustainable youth development and seeking political/public goodwill for Akwa Ibom to pass the bill currently in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly into law.
It brought together government, policymakers from different ministries, private sector leaders, youth organizations, academics and youth representatives in Akwa Ibom state to consolidate their position and proffer integrated strategies for youth development in 2019 and beyond.
Objectives Included:
1. To increase the spotlight on the need to have a strategic plan for youth development in 2019 and beyond
2. To galvanize government to make political commitments towards supporting young people’s demands and aspiration for a better future in 2019 and beyond.
3. To provide an inclusive platform for youths to engage in the dialogue about elections and youth development in 2019 and beyond.
4. To engage CSO’s, youth networks, and youths including students that will act as youth champions to push for the sustainable youth development plans 2019 and beyond
The event was well attended by about 400 people which included critical stake holders, private bodies, people with Disability (PWD) and the entire public on the 11th of April at Duellaz Event Centre, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The event also featured was a drama skit that highlighted the problem of youth despondency on governance, need for civic participation and youth development.
The policy dialogue came to an end with the endorsements of over 60 Akwa Ibom Youth Development Fund (AKYDF) vanguards from across the state.
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As part of being informed on the build up to the call for public hearing of #AKYDFBill- (Sustainability Plan for Akwa Ibom State) youths are urged to read a copy of the bill using the link below.
