Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has guaranteed Nigerian youth that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to incorporating them at all levels of governance in the nation.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 60th Anniversary celebration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Shettima emphasized that youth involvement in governance is fundamental to the current administration’s ethos.
Represented by Hauwa Liman, his Technical Adviser on Women and Youth Engagement, the Vice President highlighted that Tinubu’s government stands out for providing unprecedented opportunities for young people in Nigeria, reflecting the administration’s strong belief in the aspirations of the youth.
He remarked, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought together some of the most talented young individuals in the country to form the core of his government. This is rooted in the understanding that future planning must include the youth in decision-making. Therefore, for us, youth inclusion is not merely a promise; it is the foundation of our vision for Nigeria.”
Shetima pointed out that the Tinubu administration has made significant strides in creating pathways for youth to thrive in various fields, demonstrating the government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians for meaningful change.
“We are proud to be a government that has opened unprecedented doors for young people. Many of our ministers are from your generation,” he stated.
He continued, “Inclusion means more than just representation; it is about generating opportunities that lead to tangible change. This administration prioritizes initiatives aimed at helping young people excel in education, entrepreneurship, and the creative and data sectors.”
The Vice President highlighted initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, supported by N110 billion, aimed at assisting young entrepreneurs in agriculture, technology, and industry.
He also mentioned the Youth Investment Fund, which provides essential financial backing for startups and small businesses, enabling young Nigerians to transform their ideas into successful enterprises.
Remarking that, “in the digital and creative domains, where Nigerian youth have already showcased their global competitiveness, the administration has launched a $618 million initiative to support tech and creative industries.”
To further solidify its commitment to youth development, Shettima announced plans to establish a National Youth Development Bank and a youth data bank, ensuring that young Nigerians have access to the resources and information necessary for their success.
Additionally, he referenced the National Education Fund and student loan schemes as part of the government’s efforts to secure a brighter future for Nigerian youth.
Shettima encouraged the youth to seize the various opportunities available to them to improve their lives and contribute positively to the nation.
“Dear young Nigerians, the opportunities ahead are immense. You belong to a generation equipped with the skills, tools, and platforms to transform not only Nigeria but the world at large.
“The digital economy and creative sectors are yours to conquer. This administration is dedicated to equipping you with the necessary resources and support to thrive.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I urge you to embrace this moment, harness innovation, creativity, and diligence. Let your generation be the one that elevates Nigeria to a model of democracy, development, and progress. Your voices matter, your contributions count, and your future is being shaped by the choices you make today,” he concluded.
