?says future of Nigeria lies in young people

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration?s commitment to youth empowerment, declaring that the government?s policies are designed to secure a prosperous future for the next generation.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja during the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the National Youth Congress, Tinubu urged young Nigerians to take ownership of the country?s development.

?You are the hope of this country. Everything hangs on your future,? the President told the committee members, emphasizing that his administration?s decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies, were aimed at ensuring long-term economic stability.

Tinubu first hinted at the convening of a youth conference in his Independence Day address on October 1, 2024, underscoring the critical role young people must play in shaping Nigeria?s trajectory.

On Monday, he reinforced that message, charging the newly inaugurated committee with the responsibility of charting a path for youth engagement in governance and development.

?Government of the day is all about you. You represent over 60% of our population, you?re the heartbeat of our nation. Take this opportunity very seriously?, Tinubu said.

The President acknowledged the economic challenges Nigeria has faced but expressed optimism that the country is on the path to recovery.

?When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We were fetching water from a dry well?, he recalled. ?But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence is improving, and investors are looking in.?

Urging the youth to be proactive, Tinubu invited open dialogue and participation.

?Look at me in the face, tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way you want things done. We?ll try to implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country,? he assured.

The President also encouraged the committee to leverage technology and explore ways to boost agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, and national food security.

?Let?s employ technology every way possible, let?s look at our farming conditions, let?s hear what we can do to empower youths in their firm spirit,? he said.

Ending on a personal note, Tinubu expressed admiration for the energy and potential of young Nigerians, saying ?I like you. I can?t be youth again, maybe in the next life, I?m envious of all of you.? he quipped.

In his remarks the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the confab will be convoked to promote youth engagement.

Olawande noted that President Tinubu?s administration is a listening government that is ready to be attentive and incorporate the ideas and incorporate the ideas and contributions of young people in governance.

He said that the members are carefully selected as representatives were drawn from Federal Ministry of Finance, other related Federal Ministries, Civil Society Organisations, Non governmental organisations the World bank amongst many others.

He said they are to champion and plan for the conference that will impact the life of youths of Nigeria

According to the Minister, ?the government aims to create opportunities for the youth and is focused on addressing their concerns.

He urged Nigerians youths to take advantage of the youth confab to contribute developmental policies.

A lead member of the youth confab planning committee and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, lauded President Tinubu?s commitment in recognising the youths.

?I would use this opportunity to appreciate the recognition of youths by the President?

He outlined that the 30-day National Youth Confab will be segmented into virtual consultations, regional meetings and the last week of it will engage youths at the Abuja conference.

Itodo urged the government to keep the confab completely insulated from politics.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu during his 2024 Independence Day broadcast, announced the plan for a 30-day national youth conference to address critical issues facing the country?s youths, including unemployment, education, and political participation.

The Committee is to be chaired by Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Among those inaugurated are Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission Asuquo Ekpeyong, Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo,Hauwa Nana Ibrahim ,Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe ,Uchechukwu George Egbe, Samson Itodo amongst many others.

Also represented in the planning committee are representatives of Federal Ministry of Finance, World Bank, Non governmental organisations

Present at the inauguration were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Youth development, Ayodele Wisdom, Spokespersons to the President, Mr Sunday Dare and Mr Bayo Onanuga Senior Special Assistant on media, Tunde Rahman. (The Nation)

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