Why Tinubu is including more youths in his administration – FG
PORT HARCOURT — The Federal Government has explained that the inclusion of more youths in the policy-making process is essential because no nation can plan for the future without involving the young generation in decision-making.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his Technical Adviser on Women and Youth Engagement, Hauwa Liman, reassured Nigerian youths of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to their inclusion in all levels of governance. Shettima spoke at the grand finale of the 60th Anniversary celebration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Port Harcourt.
Shettima emphasized that youth inclusion is a fundamental principle of the Tinubu administration, stating that it remains the only government to have provided significant opportunities for young people. He explained that President Tinubu’s conviction is that “you cannot plan for the future without the young ones at the decision-making table.”
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assembled some of the finest young people in the country to form the backbone of his government, and this is based on his belief that youth inclusion is not just a promise, but the cornerstone of our administration’s vision for Nigeria,” Shettima said. He added that the government has worked to ensure that young Nigerians are not only heard but also empowered at every level of governance.
The Vice President noted that the Tinubu administration has created unprecedented opportunities for youths to thrive in various sectors. He mentioned that many of the administration’s ministers are young people, reflecting the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“This administration has opened doors for young people like never before. We have prioritised initiatives that empower youths in education, entrepreneurship, and the creative and data industries,” Shettima added. He highlighted several key programs, including the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, which is backed by N110 billion to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and industry. Additionally, the Youth Investment Fund continues to provide crucial financial support for startups and small businesses.
Shettima also pointed out the government’s investment in the digital and creative sectors, where Nigerian youths have already shown global competitiveness. He revealed a $618 million initiative aimed at supporting tech and creative enterprises.
Meanwhile, the National President of NYCN, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubu, thanked the Rivers State Government for hosting the youth on their 60th anniversary. He urged Nigerian youths to focus on acquiring skills and advancing in technology to impact society positively, rather than waiting for traditional white-collar jobs.
“We should not wait anymore for the government. We must take the initiative and grow in technology to make a real impact on society,” Sukubu said.
