President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, lauded the creativity and innovation of Nigerian youths as the nation joined the global celebration of International Youth Day. The President commended the youth’s role in driving digital adoption, setting trends, and fostering innovation in Nigeria and beyond, underlining their importance to the country’s future prosperity.
This year’s International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, centers around the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” In a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu affirmed that the energy and creativity of Nigerian youths are pivotal in transforming the nation into a global digital powerhouse.
Highlighting the remarkable achievements of young Nigerians across various sectors, Tinubu recognized their contributions to developing billion-dollar technologies and innovations that are shaping a more prosperous and advanced world. He specifically praised the creativity of Nigerian youths in diverse fields, such as entertainment, fashion, and agriculture, noting their ability to create sustainable businesses and opportunities with minimal resources.
“That young Nigerian in Ebute Metta with just a ring light and a camera, creating legitimate income and bringing joy to many; that young woman entrepreneur in Aba, crafting unique fashion pieces; and that young man in Kano, advancing sustainable agriculture through agro-technology—these are the true gems of our nation,” President Tinubu remarked.
In his address, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering the youth through various initiatives aimed at harnessing their talents. He highlighted the relaunch of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The N110 billion fund is dedicated to supporting young Nigerians in priority sectors, driving sustainable economic growth and development.
The President also mentioned other youth-focused programs, 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). These initiatives are designed to create millions of IT and technical jobs, making Nigerian youths globally competitive.
On this special occasion of International Youth Day, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to realizing the dreams of the nation’s youth within a sustainably expanding and inclusive economy. He emphasized that empowering the youth is central to achieving Nigeria’s vision of prosperity and global recognition in the digital age.