News
Youth Minister Calls for a Collective Approach to Overcome Challenges Facing Nigerian Youth
Joel Ajayi
In a compelling address, the Honorable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has emphasized the need for a collective approach to effectively tackle the pressing challenges facing the youth in Nigeria.
The Minister made this call during a meeting with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF), led by Dr. Onyeche Agbiti Douglas, at his office in Abuja.
Comrade Olawande outlined a vision for a sustainable framework that not only addresses immediate concerns but also empowers young people through skills development and entrepreneurship programs.
“It is crucial to involve young people in leadership and community roles. We need to address the issue of informal youth being overlooked in favor of their formal counterparts”
“I urge all political and societal entities to prioritize the empowerment of young people, putting Nigeria first. I also call on international organizations, such as UNESCO and UNDP, to support efforts in creating a better future for Nigeria’s youth.”
“There is a pressing need for strategic partnerships that focus on productive and meaningful outcomes instead of superficial projects. We will overcome budgetary constraints to effectively fund youth-oriented initiatives,” he stated.
Ayodele explained that the meeting aims to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders, to create a sustainable environment where young people can thrive.
Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, the team leader, emphasized the commitment of NYFF to engage Nigerian youth in current governance processes and future leadership roles. She highlighted both ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at empowering young individuals at local, national, and international levels.
She encouraged youth participation in discussions related to policy, tax reforms, and legislative bills, ensuring they understand these topics and can actively engage in policy implementation.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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