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Olawande Hosts NIPSS SEC 48, Reaffirms Youth as Pillar of Nigeria’s Economic Diversification
By Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing Nigerian youth at the heart of the country’s economic diversification agenda, as the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Monday received participants of Senior Executive Course 48 (SEC 48) of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, described the study visit as timely and critical to Nigeria’s development agenda.
He commended NIPSS for its consistent role in grooming visionary leaders and advancing strategic policy thinking in the country.
Keshinro noted that the focus of SEC 48 on economic diversification and national development aligns closely with the priorities of the current administration. She emphasized that Nigeria’s pathway to sustainable growth lies in effectively harnessing the vast potential of its youthful population.
According to her, the nation’s youth represent not only a demographic advantage but also a strategic asset capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic transformation.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry to empower young Nigerians through targeted policies and programmes focused on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, skills development, and improved access to finance.
These initiatives, she explained, are designed to reposition young people from the margins of economic participation to the forefront of productivity and wealth creation.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the importance of strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through sustained investment in human capital development, expansion of mentorship networks, and the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms to support youth-led enterprises.
She added that such measures are critical to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on traditional revenue sources while accelerating economic diversification.
Describing the visit as a platform for meaningful engagement, she encouraged participants to share insights and practical recommendations that would enhance youth-focused policies and programmes.
“As you interact with our team, we look forward to innovative ideas and solutions that will further position youth entrepreneurship as a key driver of sustainable growth in Nigeria,” she said.
Keshinro reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to transitioning Nigerian youth from job seekers to job creators through entrepreneurship development, digital skills enhancement, and expanded access to sustainable financing.
Minister also expressed optimism about the growing alignment between the objectives of SEC 48 and the Ministry’s strategic focus on youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, the Director of Research, Musa Umar, said the institute, established in 1979, has continued to train strategic leaders and conduct research in national policy, leadership, and development.
He explained that NIPSS flagship Senior Executive Course, which runs for ten months, draws participants from the public and private sectors, the military, and civil society.
“At the end of the programme, participants present recommendations on critical national issues assigned annually by the President, thereby contributing to policy formulation and national development,” he said.
Umar added that the focus of SEC 48 on the orange economy and entrepreneurship for sustainable growth underscores the central role of youth in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and economic transformation.
“That is why we are here today. We consider this Ministry critical in discussions around the orange economy and entrepreneurship because young people are at the heart of these sectors,” he added.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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