The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite has expressed profound appreciation to the African Students Union Parliament (ASUP) for conferring on her the Pan-African Leadership Hall of Fame Award in recognition of her efforts in advancing youth development and empowerment across Nigeria.
While receiving the award in the Ministry today, the Minister described the feat as a testament to the impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the lives of young Nigerians.
According to a statement by the Director of Info & Public Relations, Julie Osagie-Jacobs, she reiterated federal government’s commitment to youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that human capital development and job creation remain central pillars of national development.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite further informed the delegates that the draft of the Nigerian National Development Plan 2026–2030 positions students and young entrepreneurs at the center of Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy, which reflects the administration’s determination to create sustainable opportunities for the next generation
She therefore pledged support for ASUP’s campaign against drug abuse and social vices, expressing readiness to explore partnerships aimed at integrating anti-drug awareness and prevention messaging into national youth programmes.
She concluded by wishing the ASUP delegation a successful stay in Nigeria and encouraged members to sustain the ideas of the Parliament in their respective countries while continuing to champion initiatives that promote youth development and continental progress.
The Nigerian representative of the Parliament, James Uneze who spoke on behalf of the delegates, extolled the role of the Hon. Minister as a leader in the area of youth and women empowerment, her open door policy, teamwork and dedication to service, quest for positive national development and Africa's Bedrock Amazon of integrity and diversity.
While recalling the massive economic growth recorded in Imo state when she served as a Commissioner of Finance in the state, he said the Minister is set to achieve great success in the country especially in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu
He therefore called on the Hon. Minister’s support in their campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria so as to safeguard the future of the Nigerian youth as this feat cannot be achieved without the support of the security agencies and also stakeholders like her.
Recipients of the Pan-African Leadership Hall of Fame Award in Nigeria include former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onuh, Prof. Chukwuma Ozurumba, Hon Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa amongst others.