The administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is steadfast in its mission to tackle the issues confronting Nigeria’s youth through various initiatives aimed at fostering their development.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development, urged young Nigerians to reconsider their plans for a nationwide protest scheduled for August, emphasizing that the government is actively working to resolve economic difficulties and stabilize the nation.
The announcement, which was disseminated by Omolara Esan, the Director of Press and Public Relations, highlights the administration’s commitment to addressing youth-related concerns.
Olawande encouraged the youth to engage in constructive dialogue with the government, utilizing available channels to voice their unmet demands. He asserted that the current government is not only focused on resolving existing challenges but is also dedicated to creating new opportunities for young people and other citizens to flourish.
He remarked, “While there are various ways for us as youth to express our dissatisfaction with the government, opting for a protest that could escalate into violence is not advisable. Our future is at stake, and any harm to Nigeria impacts us more than anyone else.”
The Minister pointed out that many initiatives from the Federal Ministry of Youth are driven by the aspirations and demands of young people. He highlighted several youth-centered programs, including the “Young and Secure” initiative, designed to prevent a recurrence of issues that triggered the 2020 #EndSars protests, and the “Youth Desk,” which serves as a platform for young Nigerians to voice their concerns in an organized manner.
Olawande stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the government and the youth to ensure that the latter can feel the positive effects of governance. He has made it a priority to engage with youth across more than 13 states.
Addressing the critical issue of unemployment, he acknowledged the skills mismatch that many young people face and introduced the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) to enhance skills and connect youth with potential employers.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the government is committed to supporting their ventures through the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF). Additionally, President Tinubu has allocated N50 billion for nano-grants of N50,000 each to support 1,300 small businesses across all 774 local government areas.
The administration has also launched a Consumer Credit Scheme to facilitate access to goods and services for Nigerians, allowing for payment over time to ease financial burdens.
In the political arena, President Tinubu has significantly expanded opportunities for young individuals by appointing a record number of them to high-level government positions and promoting local government autonomy to encourage grassroots political participation.
Olawande concluded by noting that while the government’s initiatives may not resolve every issue, he is optimistic that President Tinubu will persist in creating opportunities for young people and all Nigerians to thrive.
