President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to youth empowerment, stating that government policies are designed to ensure a prosperous future for young Nigerians. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he emphasized the critical role of youths in national development.
“I’ve listened to you carefully, today is not for long speeches, I just want to reassure you that you are the hope of the country. Everything hangs on your future, every decision that I’ve taken is all about tomorrow,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting economic policies, he added, “When you remove oil subsidy, you’re protecting the future of generations yet unborn, the youth. Where’s the investment for the infrastructure? When you listen to majority of professionals talking about Japa, leaving Nigeria, it’s because if you grow prosperity back home and you empower people, they will not bother to leave, they will stay home. This is your home, to develop, build and make prosper.”
He urged young people to take governance seriously, stating, “Government of the day is all about you, take it very seriously. You can abuse politicians all you like, but politics is about development and about the future generation.”
Reflecting on the country’s economic progress, Tinubu noted, “When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey and hopeless. We tried hard and we were fetching water from a dry well, but today, the economy has turned the corner, prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking in, technology is advancing.”
Encouraging direct engagement, he told the youth, “Look at me in the face, tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way you want things done or suggestions. We’ll try to implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country.”
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, emphasized that the upcoming youth conference would promote youth engagement, stating that the administration is committed to incorporating young people’s ideas in governance. A lead member of the planning committee and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, commended Tinubu’s recognition of youths in national development.
