President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s growth by unveiling a series of youth-focused initiatives across technology, agriculture, and the creative sectors. Speaking at a stakeholders’ roundtable on Northern Youth Development in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s prosperity depends on thriving regions, stressing the urgent need for stability, order, and safety nationwide.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu drew inspiration from the vision of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and former Premier of Northern Nigeria. “The North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives,” he said.
Acknowledging the security challenges in the North, the president outlined measures to restore stability, including strengthening community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and tackling cross-border issues like smuggling and insurgency.
With Nigeria projected to become the world’s third-largest nation by 2050, Tinubu emphasized the critical role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future. “You are not just the future of this nation; you are its present,” he declared, urging young Nigerians to take advantage of the government’s empowerment programmes.
The president announced a comprehensive youth development strategy featuring several initiatives: the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP), and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for higher education access.
He also highlighted investments in digital entrepreneurship through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) and plans for a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank to provide financial and informational support.
On agriculture, Tinubu reiterated the North’s strategic importance, positioning it as Nigeria’s agricultural hub through investments and industrialization.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, emphasized education’s critical role in national development during the event. “Education is the strongest legacy any leader can leave to society,” he said, urging the government to prioritize educating the youth above infrastructure projects.
Former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, called for collaborative efforts to address youth challenges. “The youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the driving force of our present and future,” he said, urging the government to implement the roundtable’s recommendations.
The event marked the 15th anniversary of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, reinforcing its commitment to addressing pressing issues affecting Northern Nigeria and empowering the nation’s youth for a brighter future.
