The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, called on the Scout Association on the need to proactively engage the youths with a view to channelling their youthful energy into productive ends.
The Minister made the call during the high-powered delegation’s Courtesy visit, led by Mr. Umar Muhammad, the chief Commissioner of the Scout Association of Nigeria (TSAN), the delegation comprising members of the National Executive Committee, Zonal Officers, and sectional leaders, to his office in Abuja.
“The Minister expressed delight that the Leadership of The Scout Association of Nigeria decided to get in touch with him, as he had been surprised that nothing much had been heard of Scouts and their activities since he became the Minister of Youth Development.”
He pointed out that the inaction of Scouts – a recognised Voluntary Youth Organisation – was responsible for why most of our youth no longer value anything responsible.
However, the leader of the Delegation, Mr. Umar Muhammad, briefed the Hon. Minister about Scouting.
The Chief Commissioner narrated the challenges the Association is facing and called for the urgent intervention of the Hon Minister. The Chief Commissioner, therefore, appealed to the Minister of Youth Development to help reposition scouting in Nigeria.
The Hon. Minister had an interactive session with the team, listened to the Organisation’s challenges and current issues, and thereafter promised to address them.
“The purpose of our visit was to familiarise ourselves with the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, whose Ministry oversees Youth activities in Nigeria. Further reviews”
“The Hon. Minister had an interactive session with the team, listened to the Organisation’s challenges and current issues, and therefore promised to address all.” Chief Commissioner stated.
As a way of handing over the Scout Association of Nigeria to the Hon. Minister and the Ministry of Youth Development, the Chief Commissioner presented the Scout Flag to the Hon. Minister. The Minister was thereafter invested, as is the Tradition, and group photos were taken for posterity.
Among the team that visited the Minister are: Hon Justice Christopher Awubra – the Deputy Chief Scout, Rev Fr. Christopher Nnubia – the State Scout Commissioner of Federal Capital Territory, Alh. Balanku Vanakoa – State Scout Commissioner, Taraba State, Dr. Raj Bomodeoku – Member West Africa Scout Committee, Mr. Simple Abdullahi – Assistant Chief Commissioner, South West, Alh. Gambo Ado – former National Scout Board Chairman, and other Officers drawn from the South West, North West and Departmental Heads, as well as Scouts of the Sea and Air sections.
About Scouting in Nigeria
Scouting in Nigeria began in 1915 under Lord Lugard and is overseen by the Scout Association of Nigeria, a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. The organization focuses on youth character development, leadership, and community service, with historical and ongoing efforts to promote Scouting in schools and the wider community. T.A. Bankole was a significant figure in expanding the movement after Nigeria’s independence, and prominent Nigerians have served on international Scout committees.
Scouting aims to develop self-reliant, supportive, and responsible individuals.
Minister of youth development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande flanked by members of Scout Association of Nigeria, during a courtesy call to his office.
