The youth population of any nation is a critical segment of a country’s demography. Formulating policies and executing programmes and projects targeted at the physical, social, and psychological development of a country’s youth population should be central to governance. It is often said that without the youth there will be no future for any nation.
President Bola Tinubu realizes this fact and has taken deliberate measures to give the Nigerian youth a new deal in his administration. President Tinubu’s administration’s interest in the affairs of the youth was in recognition of their vital contributions in formulating Nigeria’s socio-political and economic development.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is tasked with creating, implementing, tracking, and implementing policies and programs aimed at empowering young people, fostering national unity, and driving sustainable development and wealth creation that drives the president’s programmes and policies for the youth in the country.
Part of President Tinubu’s deal for the youth in Nigeria is the approval of N110 billion to support youth startups and businesses, through loans and grants. This scheme has taken off with those seeking to benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda already benefitting from it.
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), established by President Tinubu’s government is another dynamic platform empowering young Nigerians. This initiative has components such as Online learning; Digital communities and start-ups; Political orientation and participation; as well as Job fairs and career development. NiYA will train seven million youths and create five million jobs within 2-4 years, thereby shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.
President Tinubu also appointed youthful ministers and special advisers to his cabinet, tapping their fresh perspectives and expertise to drive innovation and progress. They include Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; Dr. Betta Edu, BosunTijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. Others are Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, and Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development. The appointment of these youths, most of them under 45 years of age demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering young leaders to drive innovative governance in Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s appointment of the youth in government would go a long way in revitalizing youth participation in governance, fostering their engagement in the planning of development, and enhancing Nigeria’s global engagement and response to emerging challenges.
President Bola Tinubu also plans to transform Nigeria into a global digital powerhouse by harnessing the nation’s youthful energy and talent to make the country a leading hub for digital and creative outsourcing in Africa. This initiative seeks to harness the demographic advantage of Nigeria, where over 70% of the population is under 30 years to spur innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth for the future development of Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s launch of the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) in September 2023 is geared towards boosting foreign exchange earnings and creating one million in-demand jobs for Nigerian youth. This would make Nigeria a leading talent outsourcing hub in Africa, and curb illegal migration through direct employment and emigration.
Nigeria’s economic diplomacy is being shaped by a new generation of business leaders harnessing innovative trade agreements and investments to propel economic growth and elevate the country’s global standing. This would leverage on President Tinubu’s administration’s policies and programmes for the youth, clearing the way for a future that would be led by the present youth population in Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s administration in the years ahead will continue to engage youth that would bring new energy and fresh perspectives to Nigeria’s development. Nigeria will continue to gain from these initiatives as the government invests more in the youth through capacity building, mentorship, and training required for the country’s accelerated development.
