– Pays advocacy visit to Ministry of Youth Development
In a concerted effort to contribute significantly to national development and influence health policies, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria-Young Pharmacists Group (PSN-YPG) has sought formal recognition as a registered professional youth organisation. To advance this goal, the group paid a high-level advocacy visit to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development headquarters in Abuja.
Led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Tekena George, the PSN-YPG delegation presented key proposals aimed at fostering youth engagement and strengthening their role in national policy development. Among the major requests was the official recognition of PSN-YPG as a professional youth body, which George explained would enable the group to participate more effectively in national and international youth development programmes. He emphasised that such recognition would unlock opportunities for capacity building, advocacy, and policy engagement on a global scale.
Another significant proposal was the inclusion of PSN-YPG in the National Youth Confab, an annual platform where critical policies affecting young Nigerians are deliberated. The group stressed that young pharmacists, as frontline healthcare professionals, offer valuable insights into pressing public health concerns that disproportionately affect young people, such as mental health, reproductive health, and substance abuse.
Furthermore, the PSN-YPG proposed a nationwide anti-drug and substance abuse initiative, which would serve as a strategic partnership between the group and the ministry. According to George, this initiative aims to leverage the expertise of pharmacists in community health to combat the rising menace of drug misuse and illicit substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
Underscoring these proposals, George highlighted the critical role of young pharmacists in addressing Nigeria’s most urgent public health challenges. He reiterated the group’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to enhance national interventions in these areas.
The delegation also commended the honourable minister’s commitment to bridging the gap between the government and Nigerian youths. They praised his inclusive approach to policymaking and youth empowerment programmes, which seek to give young people a voice in national development.
“We recognise the honourable minister’s unwavering dedication to Nigerian youth, and we believe that young pharmacists have a unique role to play, not just within the healthcare system but as active contributors to youth development and nation-building,” George stated.
In his response, Hon. Ayodele Olawande lauded PSN-YPG for its proactive stance on youth engagement and public health advocacy. He expressed confidence in the group’s ability to make meaningful contributions to the government’s youth development agenda.
“I am truly impressed by the passion and professionalism of the young pharmacists who have come here today,” Olawande remarked. “Your initiatives align closely with our vision for an empowered and responsible youth population. We will work closely with PSN-YPG to ensure these proposals come to fruition.”
The minister pledged his full support for the proposed partnership and directed his team to begin working with PSN-YPG on the modalities for immediate implementation. He also assured the group of their inclusion in future policy dialogues and national conferences concerning youth affairs.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex public health and youth development challenges, the engagement between PSN-YPG and the Ministry of Youth Development represents a promising step towards strategic collaboration. It highlights the potential of professional youth organisations in contributing to national progress and shaping policies that impact future generations.
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