The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters valued at N110 billion. The announcement was made during the 2024 World Population Day commemoration at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This initiative is in addition to a Youth Data Bank and a National Youth Development Bank, as well as the existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund.
Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the government’s commitment to youth inclusion and development, stating, “It is worthy to note that under this present dispensation, we have fulfilled the 30% quota for youth inclusion in governance across all tiers of government. Most importantly, the President has approved the sum of N110 billion for the Youth Investment Fund.”
Shettima added, “We are setting up the National Youth Development Bank and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters worth N110 billion. This is in addition to the Youth Data Bank that the minister mentioned earlier.”
The vice president emphasized the need for improved data collection, analysis, and the deployment of technology to generate comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investments, and developmental pathways.
“Deploying the best technology to strengthen data systems and institutions, upgrading human resources and capacities, and promoting partnerships that facilitate generating and using inclusive data will guarantee a resilient and equitable future for all Nigerians,” Shettima stated.
He underscored the importance of data, saying, “Data is life. It is our evidence and performance. It provides the most realistic picture of situations, trends, and patterns. It tells us how many we are, and helps us understand our age structure, sex structure, location, and more. Data informs us about today and the future through scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.”
Despite the last census being conducted 18 years ago, Nigeria has continuously valued the importance of data. This World Population Day serves as a recommitment to improving data collection, analysis, and the use of modern technology to generate inclusive evidence for guiding government decisions.
Noting that inclusive data has been a major challenge to governance in Nigeria for decades, Shettima reassured citizens that with President Bola Tinubu at the helm, they now have a leader who recognizes the importance of data in the nation’s development drive.
He pointed out that access to inclusive data sources would enable the government to align its policy actions and investments with the needs of citizens, such as providing decent jobs, affordable and equitable healthcare, and quality education.
As Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), Shettima pledged to use the platform and other networks to ensure that people and communities remain the focus of the government’s development efforts. “Aligning the people with investment choices will transform quantity (numbers) to quality (capital) and from liability to assets, guaranteeing rapid economic growth,” he stated.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, commended the commitment of partners at the event and urged them to leverage scientific evidence to address the challenges facing various segments of the world’s population. She also announced plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank dedicated to harnessing the potentials of young people for national development.
Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, highlighted the importance of periodic censuses for generating administrative data for inclusive planning and sustainable development. He emphasized the urgent need for updated, credible, and comprehensive data to inform policy decisions and interventions.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, represented by Ronald David Kayanja, Director of the UN Information Centre for Nigeria, called for renewed commitment and investment to turn the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action promises into reality. Guterres stressed the critical role of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in sustainable development and the importance of data collection in understanding and addressing these issues.
UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, represented by Deputy Representative Koessan Kuawu, emphasized the need for inclusive data systems that capture human diversity. “To go uncounted is to be made invisible and, as a result, left unserved,” Kanem stated, calling for a commitment to ensure data systems work for everyone, especially those on the margins.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Population, Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo, represented at the event, urged stakeholders to synergize ideas and resources to promote inclusive development across the country. He noted that the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day provides a forum for partners to appraise the world’s population journey and harness unique opportunities for development.
