FG Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Oru Leonard
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to placing young Nigerians at the center of national development, declaring that the youth “will not be sidelined in Nigeria’s progress.”
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Akeem Gbajabiamila, the President made this statement at the Nigeria Youth Academy (NIYA) Startup Grant Award Ceremony and the official launch of NIYA Gigs, held today at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
President Tinubu noted that his dedication to youth empowerment is deeply personal, acknowledging the significant and historic role young Nigerians continue to play in driving innovation, civic engagement, and cultural influence across the world.
He highlighted the administration’s broad economic reform agenda aimed at unlocking the full potential of young people. According to him, all youth-focused interventions are guided by a long-term vision to eliminate bureaucratic, financial, and structural barriers that stand in the way of youth ambition.
The President announced strengthened government support across key sectors such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, the creative economy, and green energy. He described these investments as part of a deliberately designed empowerment ecosystem that provides multiple pathways for young innovators to thrive.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, emphasized that Nigeria’s demographic reality with over 65% of its population under 30 and a median age of just above 18 presents an unparalleled opportunity to secure long-term national prosperity.
According to the Minister, the NIYA Startup Programme and NIYA Gigs are practical, hands-on initiatives aimed at preparing young Nigerians for the modern economy. Through structured training, mentorship, digital skills development, and entrepreneurship support, these programmes are designed to unlock the creativity, resilience, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s youth.
“These programs are not abstract concepts,” he said. “They are real, immediate pathways for young Nigerians to earn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Olawande reiterated the administration’s goal of democratizing opportunity, adding that recent economic reforms have dismantled historical barriers that previously limited youth access to markets, foreign exchange, and business opportunities.
“You no longer need long connections or privileged access to succeed in Nigeria,” he declared. “What you need now is talent, discipline, creativity, and courage. This government is ensuring that every young Nigerian regardless of background has a fair chance to prosper.”
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms are already “democratizing opportunities” for young people. Unlike in the past, when access to business opportunities and foreign exchange depended heavily on personal connections, today’s economic environment rewards talent, competence, and determination.
He stressed that barriers that once stifled youth entrepreneurship have been removed, paving the way for a new generation of innovators across various sectors.
Cover Photo Caption, 3rd from right is the: representative of President Bola Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Akeem Gbajabiamila (Chief of Staff to the President) with some Ministers during the NIYA Startup Grant and Official Flag -off of NIYA GIGs, at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
(FMYD Press)
