President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the critical role of northern Nigeria in the nation’s progress, unveiling a robust youth development strategy to drive economic transformation.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Stakeholder Roundtable on Northern Youth Development organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, the President invoked the vision of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
READ ALSO: ONSA launches strategy on prevention, countering violent extremism
“The North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives,” Tinubu stated. He warned that hindering the growth of one region disrupts the entire country, adding, “For far too long, we have been taunted as a nation with the most children out of school—a reality that should provoke urgent action.”
The President detailed several initiatives, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP). These are complemented by efforts such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI), and the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme to address accommodation needs.
Tinubu highlighted agriculture as pivotal to northern Nigeria’s development, stating, “Investments in agriculture and industrialisation will further position the North as Nigeria’s foremost agricultural hub.”
Plans for a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank were also announced to support financial and informational access for young Nigerians. Addressing security challenges in the region, Tinubu committed to enhancing community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and tackling cross-border crimes like smuggling and insurgency.
Former Niger State Governor and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, reiterated the importance of youth empowerment for national stability. “The youth are the driving force of our present and future. Addressing their concerns is paramount,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, underscored the need for continuous dialogue with young people and prioritizing education. “Without education, you are nobody,” the Sultan stressed, urging the government to invest heavily in educating children.
The event also marked the Foundation’s 15th anniversary and served as a platform for collaborative discussions to advance youth development across northern Nigeria.
