Vice President Kashim Shettima says the Federal Government is working to establish a national youth development bank and a youth data bank.
He said this at the 60th anniversary celebration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Port Harcourt.
Shettima, represented by his Technical Adviser on Women and Youth Engagement, Hauwa Liman, said that the youth development and data bank would ensure that young Nigerians had the resources, information and access they needed to succeed.
He said that the celebration was a moment to reflect on the opportunities before the youths and affirm a commitment to a Nigeria where the youths are not merely bystanders in the journey but participants in shared future.
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“This celebration is a privilege and more importantly a responsibility to harness the energy, creativity and talents of the youths to build a prosperous and inclusive nation,” he said.
Shettima said that President Bola Tinubu had assembled some of the finest young people in the country to form the back bone of his government based on his conviction that the future cannot be planned without the young ones at the decision making table.
He said that youth inclusion by Tinubu’s administration was not just a policy but a cornerstone of the administration’s vision for Nigeria.
“Many of the ministers are youths, and for the first time in our political history, the leader of the ruling-All Progressive Congress is fully a representative of the young generation.
“The present administration had prioritised initiatives that empower young Nigerians to excel in education, entrepreneurship and creative and digital industries,” he said.
Shettima stated that the administration had laid transformative programmes, like the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters backed by N110 billion to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology and industry.
“The youths investment funds continue to provide critical finance support for startups and small businesses, ensuring that young Nigerians can coin their ideas into driving ventures.
“Education remains a critical area of focus, we recognise that no society can progress without equipment needed, skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive world.
“The student loan scheme and the Nigeria education loan fund are breaking down financial barriers for higher education, ensuring that every Nigerian student has the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” he said.
He urged the youths to use the vast opportunity before them to transform the world, dominate digital economy, creative industry and enterpreneur space.
In a speech, Gov.Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, said his administration is investing in programmes, projects and policies that intend to showcase the raw talents of Rivers youths and empower them meaningfully.
Fubara, represented by his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, said that the State Government investment in education, across tertiary institutions on scholarship scheme for deserving youths who are hard working, was currently ongoing.
“The State Government is also investing in skill acquisition programmes across the 23 Locals Government Areas, including meaningful projects that the Rivers people are benefitting directly from.
Fubara said that the crime rate in the state had dropped drastically due to the State Government’s plans and programmes for the youths.
He also said that the reduction in crime in the state had attracted more investors to partner with the government to further engage the youths.
He advised the NYCN to continually and peacefully engage government at all levels, multinational institutions and National Assembly to propose youth-friendly legislation that would benefit Nigerian youths.
The governor also advised the youths to desist from crime and criminality, and tap into the skill acquisition opportunities across the country.
He assured them that the State Government would continue to support programmes and policies that would empower Rivers and Nigerian youths at large.
The President of the council, Mr Sara-Igbe Sukubo, appealed to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to make policies and legislations that would accelerate the country’s economic growth.
According to Sukubo, the theme of this year’s celebration, tagged “Sustaining a Legacy of Leadership and Service”, is in sync with the 60th anniversary theme, “reflecting on the past, maximising the present to shape the future.
“As we confront the complexities of a globalised world, our young people must be equipped to lead Nigeria into a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and progress,” he said.
He further said that access to quality education and healthcare remained elusive to many, while insecurity and systemic barriers threatened the potential of countless young Nigerians.
Sukubo advocated for the expansion of entrepreneurship and skill training programmes to equip the youths for the evolving job market.
He also appealed for youth-focused legislations and policies at all levels of government.
He charged stakeholders, government agencies, private organisations, civil society groups, and international partners to deepen their collaboration with the council.
He also urged the youths to continue to pray for the leaders of the country that God should give them the wisdom to lead the country in peace and unity.
“Together, we can create sustainable solutions that uplift every young Nigerian and position Nigeria as a global leader in youth-driven innovations,” Sukubo said. NAN