On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed that the development of Northern Nigeria is crucial to the nation’s overall prosperity. This declaration came as the President unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at driving youth development across various sectors to spur economic transformation in Nigeria.
At the Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. During his address, Tinubu referenced the legacy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, emphasizing the importance of inclusive growth for national prosperity. He remarked, “The North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives.”
The President warned against disruptions to regional growth, citing the alarming statistic of Nigeria having the highest number of out-of-school children. He called for urgent action to address this, stating that it is a challenge rather than a demographic advantage.
Youth Development Initiatives for Economic Transformation
As part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to empower the youth, President Tinubu highlighted several initiatives aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship, education, and skills development. These include:
- 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme
- Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters
- Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA)
- Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA)
- National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP)
In addition, programs such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), and Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) were presented as tools for youth to access education, enhance their skills, and participate in global markets.
Focus on Agriculture and Industrialization
In his address, President Tinubu underscored Northern Nigeria’s strategic role in the nation’s agricultural landscape. He highlighted the need for increased investments in agriculture and industrialization to make the North the foremost agricultural hub of Nigeria.
He also revealed plans for the establishment of a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank, aimed at offering financial support and providing crucial data to assist young Nigerians in achieving their goals.
Addressing Security and Stability
Regarding the security situation in the North, the President outlined measures to restore stability, including:
- Strengthening community policing
- Rehabilitating displaced persons
- Tackling cross-border issues like smuggling and insurgency
Tinubu also recognized Nigeria’s future demographic shift, stating that by 2050, Nigeria would be the third-largest nation globally, with a significant portion of its population under the age of 21. He called for a transition towards a nation defined by order, stability, and safety.
Empowering Local Governments for National Growth
President Tinubu emphasized that empowering local governments is key to ensuring the effective delivery of democracy’s benefits. He stated, “For the dividends of democracy to reach every corner of our nation, we must empower local governments to serve as active pipelines of governance.”
His administration remains committed to unlocking the potential of Nigerian youth, promising to provide them with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a competitive global environment.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. He emphasized that the youth are the driving force behind national progress and that their concerns must be addressed for the stability and prosperity of Northern Nigeria.
His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, also stressed the importance of youth education for national development. The Sultan urged the government to prioritize education, stating that “education is the strongest legacy any leader can leave to society,” and further adding, “without education, you are a nobody.”
The Sultan advocated for continuous dialogue with youth, urging for regular forums across the Northern states to better understand their needs and concerns.
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