Worried by the ?japa? phenomenon among Nigerian youth, the Federal Government has launched a comprehensive sensitisation programme against irregular migration, flagging a N110 billion investment fund as an incentive.

Delivering a goodwill message at the Youth Creative Conference in Abuja on ?Silencing the Guns, Tomorrow is Now?, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development with the support of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at the weekend, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, pleaded with the youth to stop illegal migration to other countries as the government has put measures in place to empower them.

These measures include the N110 billion National Youth Investment Fund for young entrepreneurs across sectors; agricultural innovation and start-up grants to modernise farming; establishment of Youth Development Centres and Youth Villages in all 774 local government areas; and a 30 per cent youth inclusion policy in governance and decision-making processes.

According to him, the conference is a timely platform to harness the energy and creativity of Africa?s youth towards shaping a continent defined not by conflict but by opportunity and innovation.

?The theme of this gathering resonates deeply with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?s Renewed Hope Agenda. Renewed hope is not rhetoric ? it is a deliberate call to reignite belief that we can recover lost opportunities, confront the future with courage, and build the Africa we deserve,? he stated, emphasising that ?silencing the guns? is not just about disarmament but about empowering youth to use their voices, creativity, and experiences to reshape narratives that often misrepresent Africa.

?From Senegal to Sudan; from Mali to Nigeria, too many communities face uncertainty. But you, our youth, have the power to rewrite the story. You can showcase the world?s hardworking men and women who rise before dawn to fish, farm, or trade. You can project the resilience, innovation, and dignity that define Africa?s real identity,? he said.

Bagudu highlighted Tinubu?s belief that current sacrifices are necessary to build a better future for upcoming generations, mentioning ongoing efforts to help young Nigerians through initiatives in the digital economy, agriculture, housing, consumer credit, and skills development.

A key part of this vision, he announced, is the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan?a nationwide framework to map and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria?s 8,809 geographical wards, ensuring that young people are directly involved in creating value from their local environments.

The consequences for national development are severe, as Nigeria experiences brain drain, losing skilled and educated youth to foreign countries. To tackle these root causes, the Ministry is implementing a wide range of empowerment and intervention programmes, including the N110 billion National Youth Investment Fund for young entrepreneurs across sectors, agricultural innovation and start-up grants to modernise farming, establishment of Youth Development Centres and Youth Villages in all 774 local government areas, and a 30 per cent youth inclusion policy in governance and decision-making processes. (Sunday Sun)

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