President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday described the energy and creativity of Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest assets, stressing that his administration is determined to harness their potential for national transformation.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja at the Nigeria Youth Strategic Leadership Conference organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the National Defence College.
Represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, the President stressed that his administration has rolled out new programmes to equip youths with the skills and opportunities needed to drive the country’s growth.
He said, “The future of Nigeria is in the hands and minds of our young people today. The energy, the creativity and the courage of our youth are the greatest national assets we have. However, energy without direction and potential without preparation can lead to frustration. That is why this conference is so timely and critical.
“It involves developing strategies for inclusive, equitable and sustainable leadership. It is also about building a culture of service, accountability, innovation and national capacity for the next generation. Let me repeat that youth development is central to our transformation strategy.”
Tinubu stated that his administration has prioritised youth-focused initiatives such as the Nigeria Academy, a national learning platform for digital and professional skills, and the Three Million Technical Talent programme, aimed at training young Nigerians in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
He also listed other initiatives, including the National Digital Literacy Drive, targeting 70% digital literacy by 2027, Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, projected to create 2.5 million jobs through enterprise training and employment matching.
“We have the Student Loan Scheme, Grassroots initiatives on climate change, food security, public health awareness and youth fellowship programmes among others,” he added.
The President emphasised that the conference was not just about dialogue but about laying the foundation of a new Nigerian dream driven by a generation of thinkers, innovators and leaders.
Also speaking, Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, urged young Nigerians to resist the growing “Japa” trend, insisting that national development requires their commitment at home.
“Most people don’t understand the implication of this in and out (Japa). For some of us who lived there before, we know what it is to be out of this country. And that is why we left everything there, we came back, and we joined the leadership. And we are now, at the helm of affairs, trying to make this country better. So that everybody will be here, we can serve the country together.
“It is not about leaving the country. The truth of the matter is, nobody will build your country but you,” Lawal said.
He noted that his state had put in place several youth empowerment programmes.
On his part, the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Okosun, said the college’s involvement in the programme underscored its mission of preparing young people as strategic leaders.
“The youth are the future. Developing them today is critical to ensuring Nigeria takes its rightful place globally,” he stated.
