NIGERIA @65: YOUTH MUST SHAPE ASPIRATIONS WITH TODAY'S OPPORTUNITIES Ayodele Olawande Honourable Minister for Youth Development

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NIGERIA @ 65:


YOUTH MUST SHAPE ASPIRATIONS WITH TODAY'S OPPORTUNITIES 





I congratulate fellow Nigerian youth as our beloved nation celebrates 65 years of independence – a milestone for reflection, pride, and renewed commitment to the future.


As young Nigerians, many of us only read about the struggles that won us freedom. We were not there during the colonial resistance, the turbulence of the civil war, or the many difficult phases that shaped our national story. But while we may not have fought those battles, we are called to fight a new one: the task of building the Nigeria of our dreams.


Our aspirations must no longer be tied to yesterday’s struggles but to today’s emerging opportunities. Our generation is uniquely blessed. We live in an era of unprecedented technological innovations, global interconnectedness, and borderless economies. These are opportunities our parents and grandparents did not have. It is our duty to seize them, transform them into solutions, and chart a new course for our nation.


The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recognized this responsibility and has initiated many youth-focused programmes to ensure that young Nigerians can thrive and become truly independent, both economically and in terms of personal development. These include:


* The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a digital learning and empowerment hub equipping youth with skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.


* The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme which is aimed at developing a globally competitive digital workforce.


* The Youth HelpDesk, which is a direct support platform linking government to young Nigerians.


* The Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action, which offers training and engagement for youths in green jobs and climate-friendly enterprises.


* Digital Literacy 4 All (DL4ALL), which is an Intervention to ensure every young Nigerian gains digital skills for the modern economy.


* Skill Up Artisan Programme, which targets the upskilling of artisans to enhance employability and competitiveness.


* Yo! Health, an Intervention to promote health awareness, wellness, and preventive care among youths.


* YouthCred, which targets the increase in the access of young entrepreneurs to finance.


* Youth Data Protection and Awareness Programme to safeguard young people’s digital identities.


* Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), which creates work opportunities and bridging employment gaps.


* The National Health Fellows Programme to engage youth in health service delivery and innovation.


* SME Support for Young Entrepreneurs for the purpose of strengthening small and medium enterprises as engines of job creation.


The aforementioned youth programmes and many others are not mere policies; they are pathways to true independence, one that is about economic empowerment, self-reliance, and human development. As young people, we  must take advantage of these opportunities to better our lots and improve our well-being.


I must also use this opportunity to appreciate Nigerian youth for the overwhelming reception given to the planned National Youth Conference. The Organising Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure we deliver a world-class conference. However, the need to guarantee national spread and inclusivity in participation has required us to carefully review the expressions of interest received so far. With this process now gradually being concluded, the Youth Confab will commence in due course. The government is fully conscious of the issues that necessitated the conference, and we will ensure its outcomes respond directly to the yearnings and expectations of Nigerian youth.


At 65, Nigeria looks to its young people with renewed hope. The struggles of the past brought us freedom; but the opportunities of today demand that we turn that freedom into prosperity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands ready to support us to achieve all our legitimate goals. This is our time, and we must seize the opportunities advanced by the Renewed Hope Agenda to attain our desired progress.  


Happy 65th Independence Anniversary!


 Ayodele Olawande

Honourable Minister for Youth Development

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