News
FG Renews Pledge to Prioritize Youth Empowerment Nationwide
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to placing young Nigerians at the center of national development, declaring that the youth “will not be sidelined in Nigeria’s progress.”
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Akeem Gbajabiamila, the President made this statement at the Nigeria Youth Academy (NIYA) Startup Grant Award Ceremony and the official launch of NIYA Gigs, held today at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
President Tinubu noted that his dedication to youth empowerment is deeply personal, acknowledging the significant and historic role young Nigerians continue to play in driving innovation, civic engagement, and cultural influence across the world.
He highlighted the administration’s broad economic reform agenda aimed at unlocking the full potential of young people. According to him, all youth-focused interventions are guided by a long-term vision to eliminate bureaucratic, financial, and structural barriers that stand in the way of youth ambition.
The President announced strengthened government support across key sectors such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, the creative economy, and green energy. He described these investments as part of a deliberately designed empowerment ecosystem that provides multiple pathways for young innovators to thrive.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, emphasized that Nigeria’s demographic reality with over 65% of its population under 30 and a median age of just above 18 presents an unparalleled opportunity to secure long-term national prosperity.
According to the Minister, the NIYA Startup Programme and NIYA Gigs are practical, hands-on initiatives aimed at preparing young Nigerians for the modern economy. Through structured training, mentorship, digital skills development, and entrepreneurship support, these programmes are designed to unlock the creativity, resilience, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s youth.
“These programs are not abstract concepts,” he said. “They are real, immediate pathways for young Nigerians to earn, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Olawande reiterated the administration’s goal of democratizing opportunity, adding that recent economic reforms have dismantled historical barriers that previously limited youth access to markets, foreign exchange, and business opportunities.
“You no longer need long connections or privileged access to succeed in Nigeria,” he declared. “What you need now is talent, discipline, creativity, and courage. This government is ensuring that every young Nigerian regardless of background has a fair chance to prosper.”
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms are already “democratizing opportunities” for young people. Unlike in the past, when access to business opportunities and foreign exchange depended heavily on personal connections, today’s economic environment rewards talent, competence, and determination.
He stressed that barriers that once stifled youth entrepreneurship have been removed, paving the way for a new generation of innovators across various sectors.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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