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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
FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.
The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:
1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,
2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,
3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and
4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.
Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.
The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.
Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.
He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:
1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State
Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited
Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00
Length: 122 Kilometres
2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States
Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,
Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77
Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)
3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State
Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited
Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90
Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and
4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State
Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited
Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93
Length: 73 Kilometres
All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.
The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.
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