A prosperous Nigeria driven by youth

BY FEMI ONAKANREN

In its quest to create a more stable and prosperous economy, the federal government has taken a number of difficult decisions to free the country from the perennial constraints of fiscal and monetary policy.

In implementation, these policy assessments have had an impact on politics, creating uncomfortable tensions in the country. The current economic challenges that many face are undeniable and inescapable realities.

This escalated to the point where calls were made for a national protest on August 1, 2024. The aim of this youth-led agitation is to protest the challenging cost of living, amid what many see as a lack of commitment or action from the federal government.

But ignorance is a thief of opportunity.

The policy assessments have increased the availability of FAAC funds, which are expected to lead to positive living conditions that impact federal, state, and local government programs and projects.

Furthermore, the federal government has initiated several palliative and empowerment programmes to alleviate the challenges and soften the sudden effects of these policy changes.

Of the many programs that have been put in place to empower and support different population groups in different sectors of the economy, the special attention that the government pays to the importance and significance of the youth group has been the most overlooked, untapped and/or underutilized.

The government realizes that the youth are the engine of economic growth. Unfortunately, most of them remain unnoticed, thus inadvertently depriving the intended beneficiaries of their right to vote.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, on July 12, 2024, announced a special investment plan of N110 billion, the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP), to support young Nigerians and boost the agricultural sector.

The initiative aims to create opportunities that will equip young people with the tools they need to succeed and strengthen the agricultural sector of the economy.

Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will provide the funding and financing framework. The Youth Development Bank is also expected to be launched on August 30, 2024. The bank will provide tailor-made financial services to youth-led value creation business ideas.

YouWin Connect Nigeria, Basic Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Program and the like are other programs that specifically target the youth.

On November 16, 2023, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, formally launched a plan to train 3 million tech talents (3MTT) over the next four years.

President Bola Tinubu launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) Digital Disbursement Framework at the State House Council Chamber on July 18, 2024. In his address, the President said:

“I believe that education is the best weapon against poverty. Without education there is no vision; without education there is no development; without education you cannot successfully overcome poverty, insecurity and abuse in society.”

The aim of NELFund and the Student Loan Programme is to provide loans to students to encourage more people to acquire knowledge, pursue further education and make valuable contributions to national development.

One can only imagine the tremendous positive transformation and economic boost Nigeria will experience if our numerous hardworking youth seize these opportunities with both hands.

The future of Nigeria is in their hands, the possibilities are on display and they are the driving force behind Nigeria’s present/future and economic prosperity.

It is of utmost importance that they avoid the advances of political puppet masters, ethnic nationalists, apostles of deceit, self-aggrandizing social activists, religious manipulators plagued by intolerance, etc.

While they may want to protest on national and social issues that they feel strongly about, and the Constitution gives them the authority to do so, it would be great if they could exercise the same rights to take advantage of the many programs designed specifically for them.

The business of nation building is based on collective efforts. The economic growth and prosperity they desire is entirely in their hands if they choose to take advantage of opportunities created especially for them.

This is the clear call to the youth and the foundation of Nigeria’s current and future economic prosperity. The opportunities are there. Please seize them with both hands as we work together to build the country of our dreams and aspirations.

The future starts now! It starts with young people seizing opportunities, improving themselves, to create the country and the future they want.

Femi Onakanren is a Business Consultant and Socioeconomic Policy Analyst. He writes from Lagos