The Federal Government has called on Nigerian youth to embrace innovation and collaboration as vital tools for accelerating the country’s socioeconomic development. During the third edition of the African Youth Conference held in Abuja on Saturday, Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, underscored the essential role young Nigerians must play in shaping the nation’s future.
Represented by Dotun Omoleye, Olawande encouraged the youth to recognize their significance in Nigeria’s progress, urging them to see themselves as key stakeholders in the nation’s development. “The youths must look inward and see themselves as major drivers of national development,” Omoleye said.
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The Minister highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering youth, not just as policy beneficiaries, but as active participants in the development process. He noted that young Nigerians possess untapped potential capable of contributing significantly to the country’s growth.
David Nwokorie, the convener of the African Youth Conference, also urged the youth to make the most of available resources, stressing the importance of collective action in realizing the Nigerian dream. “All hands must be on deck to realize the Nigerian dream,” he said.
Other notable speakers, including Bitrus Lawrence Gariki, Mandate Secretary for FCT Area Council Services, and Chinezu Metu, a participant, echoed the call for government support in fostering an enabling environment for youth to thrive. They emphasized the need for young Nigerians to pursue innovative ventures that contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic progress.
The conference, themed “Creating Sustainable Ideas for Long-Lasting Solutions,” provided a platform for discussions on youth engagement and the pivotal role of innovation in national development.