Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading the Nigerian government, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion at all levels of governance. At the grand finale of the National Youth Council of Nigeria’s (NYCN) 60th-anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to creating transformative opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Representing the Vice President, Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser on Women and Youth Engagement, highlighted the groundbreaking role of the Tinubu administration in appointing young leaders. “Youth inclusion is not just a promise but the cornerstone of this administration’s vision. Many ministers and decision-makers in the government are peers of the youth, demonstrating our commitment to empowering them,” Shettima stated.
The government has launched numerous initiatives to support young Nigerians. The Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, backed by ₦110 billion, aims to bolster entrepreneurship across agriculture, technology, and industry. Additionally, the Youth Investment Fund and a $618 million initiative for the digital and creative sectors provide critical financial and technical support for startups and innovative ventures.
To further enhance these efforts, plans are underway to establish a National Youth Development Bank and a youth data bank, offering vital resources and information to drive youth-driven success. Initiatives such as the National Education Fund and a student loan scheme, designed to secure the future of young Nigerians, complement these efforts.
Vice President Shettima urged youths to harness these opportunities, emphasizing their role in transforming Nigeria into a beacon of innovation and development. “This administration is equipping you with the tools to dominate the digital economy and creative sectors. Embrace innovation and hard work to shape Nigeria’s future,” he encouraged.
Chief of Staff Ehie Edison, representing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, echoed similar sentiments, praising the state’s youth-friendly policies. Youths hold significant leadership roles in Rivers, with many serving as local council chairmen, deputies, and commissioners. Scholarships and empowerment programs also underscore the state’s investment in youth development.
National NYCN President Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo celebrated the council’s six decades of advocacy and urged young Nigerians to embrace skill acquisition and technology. He encouraged them to reduce dependency on white-collar jobs and support government initiatives that enhance security and drive economic growth.
The event highlighted a shared vision among leaders to empower Nigerian youth as drivers of progress and innovation, positioning them at the heart of the nation’s transformation.
