Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for renewed commitment to youth development, character formation, and civic responsibility.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the 110th anniversary and national scout camp of the Scouts Association of Nigeria in Abuja, the minister framed the occasion as a defining national moment.
“Today, we gather not merely to mark the passage of time, but to celebrate a legacy; 110 years of shaping minds, building character, and raising generations of young Nigerians grounded in service, discipline, and honour,” she declared.
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Sulaiman-Ibrahim aligned the milestone with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting its focus on resilience and leadership.
“This milestone resonates profoundly with the Renewed Hope Agenda which calls for nurturing a generation that is resilient, responsible, and ready to lead Nigeria into a future of promise and prosperity,” she said.
She further highlighted the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention, RHSII-774, as a vehicle for youth empowerment, civic participation, and community-based opportunities, describing it as “a direct embodiment of the Presidential Declaration of this year as the Year of Families and Social Development, which underscores the role of youth and voluntary organisations in nation-building.”
Underscoring the enduring relevance of scouting, the Minister said it remains a steady compass, guiding young people towards integrity, patriotism, and community spirit.
“Scouting is more than an activity; it is a movement, a movement that teaches the dignity of labour, the courage to lead, the humility to serve, and the strength to stand for what is right.” She stated.
She raised concerns over weakening civic institutions, warning, “Many voluntary organisations are experiencing decline. Their diminished visibility and engagement threaten the continuity of character-building platforms that once nurtured generations of responsible, compassionate, and community-minded citizens.”
Describing such institutions as vital to national cohesion, she added, “These organisations, like scouting, are incubators of leadership, service, and social cohesion.”
Calling for policy-backed collaboration, she urged renewed partnerships anchored on programmes such as RHSII-774 to provide “resources, capacity building, and opportunities for youth empowerment,” stating, “Together, families, government, and civic organisations can ensure that these movements not only survive but thrive.”
As the Grand Patron of the Scouts Association of Nigeria, she charged the association to deepen community impact, while appealing to parents, “The task of molding characters cannot rest on families alone.”
She concluded with optimism, expressing hope that the camp would “ignite a renewed spirit,” inspiring young Nigerians towards service and nation-building.
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