The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has charged staff of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to uphold service excellence, inclusivity, and accountability in engaging young Nigerians. He gave the charge during the 2025 Customer Service Week celebration held in Abuja on Thursday.
The Minister described the week as “an accountability checkpoint, not a ceremonial show-off,” stressing that public service must always prioritize citizens. “In public service, citizens are not a disturbance to our work, they are the work. For us in this Ministry, our citizen is the Nigerian youth,” he said.
Comrade Olawande emphasized the Ministry’s service philosophy built on accessibility, speed, respect, and transparency, urging staff to adopt a “No-Wrong-Door” policy that ensures every youth receives help through any channel, physical or digital. “Every youth interaction must be timely, respectful, and inclusive,” he added.
He commended the staff for their dedication and impact, describing them as “the face of the Ministry whose hard work turns programmes into real outcomes.” He further encouraged them to “meet the standard, beat the standard, and help raise the standard” in all aspects of service delivery.
Addressing Nigerian youths, the Minister encouraged them to stay engaged and hold government accountable. “Your feedback is power, tell us what we are doing right and where we can improve. Hold us to our promises; this Ministry belongs to you,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, in his remarks titled “Mission Possible: Celebrating Excellence in Service,” welcomed staff, partners, and guests to the ceremony, describing it as an annual opportunity to reflect on the Ministry’s service culture, celebrate outstanding achievements, and renew collective commitment to quality public service. He noted that this year’s theme, “Mission Possible,” underscores the belief that challenges in public service can be overcome through unity, integrity, and professionalism, especially in empowering Nigerian youth through initiatives like the Youth Help Desk, which provides timely information, guidance, and access to opportunities.
He further commended award recipients and staff for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their achievements demonstrate the Ministry’s core values of excellence and accountability. The Permanent Secretary urged all staff to rededicate themselves to continuous improvement, teamwork, and innovation, expressing confidence that the Ministry will continue to stand as a model of efficiency, courtesy, and service excellence in Nigeria’s public sector.
Speaking after receiving his award, Mr. Ireajah Victor Ugochukwu expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s leadership for recognizing his contribution, describing the honour as a motivation to serve better. He said, “This award means a lot to me because it shows that dedication and integrity are valued in our Ministry. It encourages me and others to keep giving our best in supporting youth development and ensuring that every young Nigerian receives the quality service they deserve. I see this recognition not just as a personal achievement but as a call to do more for our country and for the youth we serve.”
