President Tinubu Unveils Comprehensive Youth Development Strategy For Northern Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu emphasized the significance of Northern Nigeria's development in driving Nigeria's prosperity, citing its potential as the country's foremost agricultural hub.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development in Abuja, President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima invoked Sir Ahmadu Bello's legacy, saying, "The late Sir Ahmadu Bello...was one of the towering giants on whose shoulders we have ascended as a nation. 

His vision was clear: the North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives."

Youth Development Initiatives

President Tinubu outlined pioneering initiatives, including the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

Additional programmes include Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI), Youth Enterprise Clusters, and Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.

Agriculture and Security

The President emphasized the North's strategic importance in agriculture and industrialization, saying, "Investments...will further position the North as Nigeria's foremost agricultural hub." 

He also outlined security measures, including strengthening community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and addressing cross-border challenges.

Call to Action

President Tinubu urged young Nigerians, "You are not just the future of this nation—you are its present. Your energy, ideas, and determination are already shaping our policies and programmes." 

He emphasized local government autonomy, ensuring dividends of democracy reach every corner of the nation.

Supporting Voices

Former Governor Mu'azu Aliyu and Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III stressed the importance of youth education and continuous dialogue with youth for national development.

Nigeria's Prosperity

President Tinubu warned, "Whatever disrupts the growth of one region sets back the entire nation." 

With Nigeria projected to become the world's third-largest nation by 2050, he emphasized the urgency of engineering a transition towards a federation defined by order, stability, and safety.

The royal father of the day, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, stressed the critical role of youth education in national development.

 "Forums like this must be held continuously to dialogue with our youths across the northern states," he said.

Former Governor of Niger State, Mu'azu Aliyu, urged the government to take the roundtable's recommendations seriously for Northern Nigeria's progress. 

"This event marks the Foundation's 15th anniversary, and we must harness this momentum for tangible change."

Khadija Kubau