President Bola Tinubu took the opportunity on International youth day to honor Nigeria’s youth, praising their creativity and determination in promoting digital innovation, trends, and advancements both within Nigeria and on a global scale.
“Embedded within our youth is the remarkable spirit and potential for transformation, enabling Nigeria to achieve digital innovation, prosperity, and international recognition,” Tinubu declared during the celebration of International Youth Day.
Celebrated annually on August 12, the theme for International Youth Day 2024 is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.’
The President recognized the significant contributions of young Nigerians across various fields, particularly in developing billion-dollar technologies and innovations aimed at enhancing global prosperity and progress.
He specifically acknowledged the talents of youth in Ebute Metta, who, equipped with merely a ring light and a camera, are generating legitimate income and making waves in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, he highlighted a young female entrepreneur in Aba for her unique fashion creations, as well as a young man in Kano who is pioneering sustainable agriculture through agro-technology.
Emphasizing his commitment to harnessing the creative potential of the youth, Tinubu announced the relaunch of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
This initiative, he explained, involves a N110 billion fund aimed at empowering youth in key sectors to foster sustainable economic growth and development.
He also mentioned several other initiatives designed to support the nation’s young people, such as the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) programme, the 3Million Technical Talents Scheme, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP). These programs aim to create millions of IT and technical job opportunities and enhance the global competitiveness of young Nigerians.
The President reassured the public that his administration is dedicated to realizing the aspirations of the youth within a sustainably growing economy.