Tinubu Applauds Youth Creativity as Obi Calls for Urgent Investment to Curb Social Unrest

President Bola Tinubu recently lauded the innovative spirit of Nigerian youths, acknowledging their critical role in driving digital adoption and setting trends in the country and beyond. Speaking on International Youth Day, celebrated every August 12, Tinubu emphasized that the youth possess the potential to digitally transform Nigeria into a prosperous and globally recognized nation.

In line with his commitment to harnessing youth talent, President Tinubu highlighted the re-launch of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The fund, totaling N110 billion, aims to empower youth in key sectors, fostering sustainable economic growth and development. Additionally, Tinubu’s administration has introduced several initiatives, including the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) programme, the 3Million Technical Talents Scheme, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP), all designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills necessary to thrive in the global market.

Despite these government efforts, Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, voiced concerns over the long-standing neglect of Nigerian youths. Obi attributed the recurring social crises in parts of the country to insufficient investment in young people, particularly in critical sectors such as education and healthcare. He stressed that empowering the youth is essential to addressing issues like insecurity, banditry, and violent agitations, which are rooted in years of youth neglect.

Obi’s sentiments were echoed by the Labour Party, which urged Nigerian youths to prepare for leadership roles both within and outside the country. LP Chairman Julius Abure, speaking to the party’s youth wing in Abuja, criticized the lack of youth leadership in Nigeria compared to other parts of the world. He called on Nigerian leaders to create policies that would tap into the energy and potential of the nation’s youth.

Nigerian youths also expressed their frustrations, calling on the government to tackle the pressing challenges of youth development. At an International Youth Day event in Abuja, hosted by the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) in collaboration with Oxfam in Nigeria, participants lamented the lack of opportunities afforded to the current generation. They noted that while previous leaders had numerous opportunities in their youth, they have failed to extend the same to today’s young people.

Joseph Ibrahim, Programme Manager at the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, highlighted the disconnect between the government and the youth, emphasizing the need for leaders to give young people a chance as they had decades ago. He pointed out the stark contrast between the past, when a 28-year-old could be head of state, and the present, where such opportunities seem almost impossible.

Maxwell Osarenkhoe, Communication Officer at Oxfam in Nigeria, added that citizens often focus too much on the Federal Government while neglecting the importance of holding local leaders accountable. He urged the government to ensure that the National Youth Policy, currently under review, addresses specific issues with clear steps for implementation.

The voices of the youth, combined with the government’s initiatives, underscore the urgent need for sustained investment in Nigeria’s young population to ensure a brighter future for the nation.