The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Kogi State, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, has emphasized that meaningful youth inclusion remains a critical pillar for sustainable national development, following a high-level engagement with the Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in Grenada.

Hon. Anyebe, who described his recent visit as more than a routine diplomatic engagement, said the interaction provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on governance, economic growth, and the strategic role of young people in nation-building.

According to him, discussions with Prime Minister Mitchell went beyond ceremonial formalities, evolving into a robust dialogue centred on politics, business, and the future of youth participation in governance.

“We share a common understanding that no nation can achieve sustainable development without deliberately creating opportunities for young people,” Anyebe stated. “Youth are not merely recipients of policies; they are catalysts for innovation, accountability, and economic transformation.”

The Commissioner noted that both Nigeria and Grenada, despite differences in scale, face similar challenges relating to youth unemployment, skills development, and political inclusion. He pointed out that while Nigeria contends with issues tied to population size and infrastructure demands, Grenada’s approach leans more towards optimizing limited resources and fostering strategic partnerships.

Providing context, Anyebe highlighted Grenada’s historical and political evolution, noting that the island nation—popularly known as the “Spice Isle”—gained independence from Britain in 1974 and has since navigated significant political transitions, including the 1979 revolution. These experiences, he said, have strengthened the country’s institutional resilience and commitment to inclusive governance.

He further observed that Grenada’s relatively small population of just over 120,000 people features a predominantly youthful demographic, a characteristic it shares with Nigeria. According to him, this demographic reality presents both a challenge and an opportunity for policymakers in both regions.

“As Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Kogi State, I find these parallels particularly instructive. The central question remains: how do we empower young people not just to participate in governance, but to take on leadership roles?” he queried.

Anyebe also underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration, noting that his engagement with Prime Minister Mitchell revealed a shared openness to partnerships that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

He stressed that mutual learning in areas such as policy development, civic engagement, and sports administration could significantly enhance youth-focused initiatives in both countries.

“This engagement is a reminder that leadership in today’s world must be interconnected, forward-looking, and deeply committed to the next generation,” he added.

The Commissioner concluded that such international exchanges are vital for building stronger, more inclusive societies, where young people are positioned at the centre of national development strategies.