Abuja: President Bola Tinubu says his administration’s economic reforms are designed to unlock opportunities and empower Nigerian youths, positioning them at the heart of the nation’s growth agenda.
Tinubu stated this on Monday in Abuja while receiving the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House.
He said youths remained central to Nigeria’s economic repositioning and must take ownership of the reforms shaping the country’s long-term development.
Tinubu said, “We will be participating in the G-20 this week. It is the third time Africa is hosting the G-20. And the central issue is about our youth.
” We need to strengthen the economy for our youth.
” The reforms are about growth and prosperity for the nation. It takes into full consideration demography and skills development.
” We are emulating best practices in exploring opportunities in several areas of skills development.”
He said the new students’ loans fund would ensure that no qualified student abandoned university education due to financial constraints.
”Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he added.
Tinubu stated that the reforms encompass key sectors, with a focus on fostering harmony among stakeholders and aligning them with long-term national targets.
The president said that the ongoing deployment of fibre optics and other infrastructure would expand digital access and boost youth inclusion in national development.
He stated that the government was making notable progress in tackling security challenges and appreciated the assistance of humanitarian agencies to victims of terrorism.
Earlier, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated that Nigeria’s median age of 17 informed deliberate reforms aimed at widening opportunities for youth participation and skills development.
Prince Edward, Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, commended Tinubu’s reforms, saying they had been positively received globally.
He said the award ceremony in Lagos would recognise 320 Nigerian youths for skill development, passion, and community service.
”We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people,” he said.
The Duke was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery, and other senior officials of the Award Foundation.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education delivered through schools, youth groups, and community organisations worldwide.
