The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has welcomed its new Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, who addressed Directors, Staff, and inter-ministerial partners during a formal handover ceremony in Abuja.
In her remarks, Dr. Keshinro expressed appreciation for the warm reception and described her return to the youth sector as a continuation of her long-standing commitment to mentorship, service, and national development. She commended her predecessor’s achievements and pledged to consolidate and expand the Ministry’s legacy.
Dr. Keshinro emphasized the critical role of the Ministry in shaping Nigeria’s future, noting that youths constitute nearly 70% of the country’s population. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that youth empowerment remains a national priority.
She pledged to lead with integrity and accountability, with a focus on:
• Strengthening due process, transparency, and the rule of law
• Promoting merit, hard work, and continuous improvement
• Leveraging staff expertise to deliver high-impact programs
• Ensuring service delivery that reflects the needs of young Nigerians.
Dr. Keshinro announced that the Ministry will soon commence internal briefings and evaluation sessions, during which Departments will present updates on:
- Mandates and ongoing programs
- Achievements and challenges
- Budget performance and nominal rolls
- 2026 leave roster preparations
- Annual reports and program documentation
- Strategic direction for 2026 and beyond.
She reaffirmed her commitment to an open-door leadership style and encouraged staff to share innovative ideas, report challenges, and contribute to policy development. She urged officers to foster teamwork, professionalism, and constructive communication while avoiding workplace divisions.
“Together, we will build a legacy of pride, progress, and lasting empowerment for the Nigerian youth,” she said.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgone Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, highlighted key areas to sustain the Ministry’s momentum, including seamless program handover, support for promotions and capacity building, strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems, and expanded private-sector partnerships. He noted that the Ministry achieved significant improvements in Civil Service performance indicators during his tenure and expressed confidence that the progress would continue.
Signed
Omolara Esan
Director, Information & Public Relations
