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FG Launches the National Youth Dialogue to tackle challenges facing Nigerian Youth
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has launched the National Youth Dialogue to tackle challenges facing Nigerian Youth.
The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande performed the unveiling ceremony at his office in Abuja.
He said the unprecedented initiative is aimed at engaging Nigerian youth in constructive conversations to tackle critical issues such as unemployment, skill development, mental health and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Mr Olawande noted that the groundbreaking dialogue will provide a platform for youth to voice their concerns and contribute to shaping policies that directly impact their future.
The Minister emphasized that this platform will be extended to Nigerian youth in all the 774 local government areas across the country, adding that it will serve as a vital channel to elucidate, engage and exchange ideas on government initiatives, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
He stressed the importance of the platform in nurturing a strong sense of patriotism among the Nigerian Youth while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, provision of extensive training as well as creating networks aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of youth-led initiatives.
Mr Olawande explained that the platform seeks to encourage collaboration and unity among Nigerian youth irrespective of their ethnic background or political beliefs.
He emphasized that the Ministry is dedicated to utilizing this opportunity to fulfill its core mandate, combat unemployment, and foster an environment conducive for individuals to thrive.
“With regards to the student loan program, the President has made it abundantly clear that no student should face the prospect of dropping out of school due to an inability to pay tuition fees at any university in the country.
As a result, a growing number of students are now successfully accessing the student loan, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of higher education,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged Nigerian youth to capitalize on government initiatives such as the Reformed Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and various other accessible platforms to bolster the expansion of their entrepreneurial ventures.
He further explained that these programmes provide a direct avenue for obtaining loans and financial support, stressing that aspirants no longer need to rely on influential connections to access crucial funding.
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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