By Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim

As the Minister of Youth Development in Nigeria, my commitment to empower our nation’s youth has been unwavering. I acknowledge the concerns regarding my visibility in the media, thus far.

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Today, I address these concerns and share exciting developments that mark a new chapter in our journey towards youth empowerment.

Since assuming my role, I have focused on laying a strong foundation for strategies that will profoundly impact Nigerian youth, as the Minister of Youth Development, entrusted with the task of delivering on the consistent promise of Mr. President, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to create enduring and sustainable streams of opportunities for Nigerian Youths.

This foundational phase, though essential, is less visible, but has involved aligning critical stakeholders within and outside the government to ensure the success of Mr. President’s initiatives.

One of the key reasons for my deliberate pace in announcing policies and initiatives has been the recognition of the trust deficit between the Nigerian youth and successive governments.

This fracture lies at the very core of our nation’s struggles with insecurity and poverty. Over the years, this trust has been eroded, leading to scepticism and disillusionment among our youth. 

From the onset of my tenure, I have been determined not to perpetuate the cycle of unfulfilled promises and ineffective initiatives that have contributed to this mistrust.

Instead, my focus has been on diligently preparing and refining a vision and strategy that the Nigerian youth can not only believe in but also rely upon, in line with the Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and in consonance with the Ministry’s performance mandate.

We can begin rebuilding trust through thoughtful planning, transparent and honest communication, and the delivery of tangible and impactful programmes.

This approach is not about quick wins or surface-level engagements; it’s about laying a solid, credible foundation for a lasting relationship between the Nigerian youth and the government, one where promises made are promises kept, and initiatives launched are initiatives that genuinely make a difference.

Mr. President’s vision for the youth of Nigeria is transformative, encompassing comprehensive education and skills development and empowerment through various initiatives, and effective engagement at all levels.

Such a vision requires meticulous planning, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

I understand that in this era of instant communication, the expectation for frequent updates is high. However, my approach has been to prioritize substance over immediacy, ensuring that when we speak, we do so with concrete plans and tangible results.

We are now at a pivotal moment where I can share the fruits of these foundational efforts. Our vision for Nigerian youth is not only ambitious but revolutionary, encompassing education, skills development, and empowerment across various sectors.

Here are some of the transformative initiatives we are proposing:

The NextGen Bank:  Set to launch in April 2024, this Retail development financial institution, is a joint initiative with the Bank of Industry, private sector, and development partners and is dedicated to empowering youth and youth-led ventures.

It will provide grants, low-interest loans, and equity investments, catalyzing youth entrepreneurship in priority sectors such Agriculture, Sustainable Mining, Green Energy, Sustainable Mobility, Blue Economy, Healthcare Services, Education and Skill Development, Financial Services, ICT and Telecoms.

Youth Villages:  In partnership with States like Niger, Katsina, and Ebonyi, we are establishing sustainable communities — both physical and virtual — focusing on regional economic strengths.

The sustainable communities will be hubs for economic, social, and political engagement, breaking grounds within Q1, 2024. This is apart from the planned rehabilitation of our existing Youth Development Centres across the country, which will commence in earnest this year, 2024.

Restructured and Reinvigorated National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF): In addressing the challenges of insecurity and poverty that presently grip our nation, it is crucial to recognise that our young people, who constitute over 70% of our population, are at the heart of these issues.

The government’s significant expenditure on security and social intervention programmes can be more effectively channelled by providing opportunities for our youth through education, empowerment, and engagement. In this light, the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), originally designed to fund youth-led ventures, plays a pivotal role. However, acknowledging that the NYIF has not fully met its objectives, I have initiated a comprehensive review of the programme.

To this end, a 13-member committee of experts has been constituted to evaluate and propose a restructured and revitalised NYIF.

The recommendations, which I plan to present for approval to Mr. President, the Federal Executive Council, and, if necessary, to the National Assembly through a bill, will ensure the fund’s efficiency and impact.

One of my foremost objectives is to secure a commitment of at least 2% of the Nation’s Consolidated Revenue to be annually allocated to the NYIF, ensuring a sustained and significant investment in the potential of our youth and, consequently, in the future of our Nation.

Because I am convinced that an investment today will save the Nation a fortune tomorrow. A stitch in time saves nine.
NYSC Reforms: 

We are redefining the National Youth Service Corp as a comprehensive empowerment platform, focusing on employability and entrepreneurship to ensure graduates transition into dignified employment or entrepreneurial ventures post-service.

Skills Programme for Non-graduates and At-Risk Youths:  Extending the skill development model of the NYSC programme, this initiative aims to empower young Nigerians lacking formal education or skills.

The Young Leaders’ Institute: In a significant stride towards cultivating a new echelon of visionary leaders, the Ministry of Youth Development is thrilled to announce the inception of the Young Leaders’ Institute. Modelled on the prestigious Aspen Institute, this initiative is uniquely tailored to the Nigerian context, offering an elite platform for leadership development.

Admission into the Institute is a mark of distinction, as it is solely by invitation only, ensuring that only the most promising young talents are nurtured.

What would set the Young Leaders’ Institute apart is its comprehensive mentorship programme, connecting fellows with an impressive network of local, regional, and global leaders. This mentorship is not just about guidance; it’s a gateway to unparalleled opportunities, experiences, and insights from seasoned leaders across various sectors.

The Institute is more than an educational programme; it’s a transformative journey that prepares the brightest young minds to lead with innovation, ethics, and a profound understanding of global and local challenges.

As we launch the Young Leaders’ Institute, we invest not just in individual leaders but in the future of Nigeria and the world. We will commence this institute in the 3rd Quarter of 2024, with an inaugural abridged fellowship programme mostly for existing young Nigerians serving in Government across the country, and we will start bringing in participants from outside of Government in 2025.

Proposal on Mandatory 30% Youth Quota in Government Appointments: In a landmark move towards empowering the Nigerian youth and integrating them into the fabric of our nation’s governance and policymaking, I am thrilled to announce the proposal of a 30% Youth Quota in all government appointments.

This initiative, which I have presented to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to ensure that the voices, ideas, and energies of our youth are not just heard but are actively shaping the future of Nigeria.

The youth represent the vibrant heart of our nation, and by embedding them within the decision-making processes of our government, we are not only acknowledging their importance but also harnessing their potential to contribute to national development.

This quota is crucial in reducing the gap between government and youth, addressing national security challenges through positive engagement, and building a governance structure representing our diverse and dynamic population. As the Minister of Youth Development, I am committed to seeing this proposal become a reality, marking a new era of youth empowerment and participation in our beloved country.

These initiatives represent just a glimpse of what the youth of Nigeria can expect under my tenure. They are immediate, actionable plans set to roll out imminently and I am here to serve, lead, and deliver on the promise of a brighter future for our youth. Your voices are heard, and your concerns are taken to heart.

Together, we will embark on this journey of transformation and success.

I also seize this opportunity to express my gratitude to our development partners, including but not limited to the EU Commission, World Bank, Ford Foundation, Bank of Industry, AfDB, and the Africa Union – NEPAD. Their support has been instrumental in shaping these transformative programmes.

Moving forward, I am pleased to announce a new chapter in our communication strategy, which will offer regular updates on our initiatives, progress, and future plans through various media channels. We can expect timely updates, engaging infographics, and narratives showcasing our activities and achievements going forward. 
Your feedback is invaluable, and I encourage every Nigerian youth to join us in this journey. Our collective efforts will undoubtedly forge a brighter future for our nation.

Thank you for your continued support and trust.

Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim Hon. Minister of Youth Development  Federal Republic of Nigeria