Nigeria has been wrestling with a high rate of youth unemployment and social insecurity for many years. The current Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has been at the forefront of addressing these issues and advocating for the youth in the country. Her passion and dedication to creating a better future for the Nigerian youths and the nation as a whole are commendable.
Hon. Nkeiruka has been a strong advocate for providing employment opportunities to young people. She firmly believes that the youth are the backbone of the nation and their empowerment is crucial for the progress of the country. In various interviews and public appearances, she has emphasized the importance of creating jobs and equipping young people with the necessary skills and training to be competitive in the job market.
In a recent meeting with the director-general of ILO, Gilbert Houngbo, in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 350th Session of the ILO Governing Body, she made an appeal to the leadership of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for increased support for youth employment and social security in Nigeria in this meeting she vehemently pushed for the engagement of Nigerian professionals at ILO.
Also in 2020, during the height of the End SARS protest, Hon. Nkeiruka expressed her disappointment and disapproval of the use of force against the peaceful protesters. She condemned the shooting and killing of young Nigerians, stating that it is unacceptable and goes against the fundamental human rights of citizens. She further called for justice and accountability for those responsible for the violence. This goes to show how invested she is when it comes to Nigerian youths and their development.
Not only is she concerned about the youth’s employment status, but she also shows concern for Nigerian’s general well-being.
In 2023, Hon. Nkeiruka made a significant contribution to the National Assembly when she sponsored and passed the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshot Bill. The bill, which is now a law, mandates hospitals and health facilities to provide immediate medical treatment to gunshot victims without requiring a police report. This law will save many lives, as previously, gunshot victims were often denied treatment due to the unavailability of a police report, leading to unnecessary loss of lives.
Onyejeocha’s passion for the welfare of youths is evident in her relentless efforts to provide opportunities for their growth and development. She firmly believes that a country can only progress when its youth are given the necessary support and resources to thrive. She has been vocal in advocating for the inclusion of youths in decision-making processes and empowering them to take up leadership roles.
Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha’s deliberate actions and commitment to creating a better future for the youth and promoting social security are highly commendable. As a nation, we need more leaders like her who are passionate and dedicated to the progress and welfare of the people.
