On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, President Bola Tinubu declared that the development of Northern Nigeria is crucial for the country’s overall prosperity. Speaking at the Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development in Abuja, the President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized the region’s role in the nation’s future success.
At the event, which was organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, President Tinubu honored the legacy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and referenced his vision for a united, thriving Nigeria. The President said, “The late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, 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.”
President Tinubu also pointed out that disruptions in one region’s growth can affect the entire country. He noted the alarming number of children out of school in Nigeria, describing the situation as a major challenge that needs urgent attention. “For far too long, we have been taunted as a nation with the most children out of school. This reality should not elicit pride but provoke urgent action,” he said.
The President shared several initiatives launched by his administration to support youth development and drive economic transformation. These included the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, and several others aimed at building a stronger digital and creative economy. He also mentioned programs such as the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP), all designed to provide young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities to succeed.
“Our creative and digital economy is another goldmine,” President Tinubu added, outlining other plans to support young entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE).
The President also highlighted agriculture as a key area for the North’s development. “Investments in agriculture and industrialisation will further position the North as Nigeria’s foremost agricultural hub,” he said. In addition, he announced plans for a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank to provide financial and informational support for young people.
On the issue of security, the President outlined strategies to strengthen community policing, rehabilitate displaced persons, and tackle cross-border challenges such as smuggling and insurgency. He emphasized that Nigeria’s projected growth—becoming the world’s third-largest nation by 2050—makes youth development an even more pressing matter. “By 2050, Nigeria will become the third-largest nation globally, with three-quarters of our citizens under the age of 21,” Tinubu said. “Our challenge is to engineer a transition towards a federation defined by order, stability, and safety.”
In his address, President Tinubu directly challenged Nigeria’s youth, telling them: “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.”
The President also stressed the importance of empowering local governments to ensure that the benefits of democracy reach every corner of the nation. “Our commitment is to provide you with the skill set and opportunities to thrive in a competitive world,” he assured.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, marked the 15th anniversary of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation. He emphasized that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the driving force of today’s progress. “Addressing their concerns is paramount to the stability and progress of our society,” Aliyu said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of education in shaping the future of the nation. “Our youths are the foundation of any development we envisage in our society,” the Sultan said. He added that education must be prioritized, calling it “the strongest legacy any leader can leave to society.”
The Sultan also urged the government to make education a top priority, explaining, “Without education, you are a nobody. We must ensure that our children are educated.”
With these discussions and initiatives in place, the event underscored the urgency of investing in youth development and education to secure a prosperous future for Northern Nigeria and the entire nation.
