THE BATTLE FOR YOUTH MINISTRY: Ibrahim and Olawande’s Silent War Rages On!
By Gambo Jagindi
August 06, 2024
A silent but intense war is raging between two ministers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, threatening to undermine the government’s efforts to deliver on its promises to the youth.
Jemila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth, and Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development, are at the center of the feud, sources close to the ministry have revealed.
The feud has created a toxic work environment, making it challenging for Olawande to perform his duties effectively, and negatively impacting the Nigerian youth.
The ministerial feud has deprived the youth of benefits and opportunities meant to be provided by the Tinubu administration, including access to empowerment programs, scholarships, and job opportunities.
If left unchecked, this situation may tarnish the administration’s reputation, erode trust, and hinder its efforts to deliver on its promises to the youth, ultimately affecting the government’s legacy.
Sources close to the ministry reveal that Olawande is systematically denied access to critical information and activities, hindering his ability to perform his duties.
Olawande is frequently notified of meetings and events at short notice, with Ibrahim’s aides inviting him just hours or minutes before the scheduled time, further marginalizing him.
Ibrahim allegedly rarely listens to Olawande’s concerns or allows him to engage with youth stakeholders, exacerbating the feud and undermining the ministry’s effectiveness.
This alleged sabotage has far-reaching implications, threatening to destabilize the ministry and undermine the government’s youth development agenda.
Aluta News has learned that Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, was deliberately excluded from a town hall meeting in his home state of Ondo, scheduled for today in Akure.
Olawande was sent to Imo State for a different program, further fueling the ministerial feud between him and Minister of Youth, Jemila Bio Ibrahim.
Youth groups in Ondo State have expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and inclusivity in the planning process, alleging that key stakeholders, including Olawande, have been sidelined.
A coalition of youth groups has issued a stern warning to Minister of Youth, Jemila Bio Ibrahim, not to hold her planned town hall meeting in the South West region.
Instead, the groups have demanded that the Minister take her meeting to the Northern region, where the “End Bad Governance” protests have been most severe.
The groups have accused the Minister of attempting to pretend to care about the plight of the South West people while ignoring the real issues facing the country.
“We want the Minister to go to the North, where the protests are happening, and address the real problems facing our country,” the groups said.
This development further highlights the ministerial feud between Jemila Bio Ibrahim and Ayodele Wisdom Olawande, threatening to undermine the President’s youth development agenda and leaving Nigerian youths to suffer the consequences.
Aluta News calls on President Tinubu to intervene and resolve this ministerial feud to ensure the ministry can effectively serve the Nigerian youth.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
