Abuja:The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, announced that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has broadened opportunities for Nigerian youths through initiatives in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, technology, and employment. This statement was made at the opening of the National Youth Confab 2026.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olawande emphasized the government’s commitment to creating pathways for young Nigerians to acquire skills, start businesses, secure employment, and actively participate in national development. He highlighted the administration’s focus on youth development as a means to enable young Nigerians to transform their potential into sustainable opportunities.
The minister identified skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employment, innovation, leadership, sports, creative industries, technology, and civic engagement as key areas needing ongoing investment. He noted that challenges such as unemployment, access to finance, education, digital inclusion, and social protection are interconnected and require coordinated action.
Olawande stated that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development collaborates with government agencies, the private sector, development partners, civil society, and youth-led organizations to enhance opportunities for young Nigerians. He urged the National Youth Confab participants to focus on practical improvements for youth-focused programs rather than just celebrating existing initiatives.
The outcomes of the confab, according to Olawande, should lead to stronger programs, better coordination, greater access to opportunities, and increased accountability in implementing youth initiatives. He encouraged young Nigerians to embrace available opportunities while upholding responsibility, ethical conduct, and national unity.
Dr. Maryam Kashinro, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, stressed the importance of meaningful youth inclusion in decision-making for Nigeria’s development, given that about 70% of the population is under 30. She stated that the confab would address youth participation in leadership, governance, jobs, entrepreneurship, education, climate action, digital rights, peacebuilding, and national unity.
The ministry plans to document the confab’s outcomes to advance national youth development priorities. Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, mentioned that AI and other technologies would be used to analyze participants’ contributions for policy development.
Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, highlighted the country’s large youth population as both a significant responsibility and an opportunity for national development. He urged young Nigerians to use their creativity and innovation to drive economic and social transformation.