As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s 2024 International Youth Day Celebration, critical stakeholders in the country have promised to pursue youth oriented programmes and agenda.
The International Youth Day is marked globally every August 12. This year’s theme is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
Speaking on this year’s theme, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used the occasion of the event to reaffirm the commitment of his administration to issues affecting the Youths.
He disclosed that in furtherance of harnessing the creative talents of the youth, his administration relaunched the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The facility is a N110 billion fund dedicated to empowering the youth in priority sectors to drive sustainable economic growth and development.
The Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) programme, the 3Million Technical Talents Scheme 3MTT, the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP) are also some of the programmes to empower the nation’s young people, and create millions of IT and technical jobs that will make them globally competitive.
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In a statement by Presidential Spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, the President mentioned examples of youth innovation across the country, from content creators in Lagos to e-commerce entrepreneurs in Aba and agro-tech innovators in Kano.
He noted that the initiatives are part of a broader strategy to create millions of IT and technical jobs, positioning Nigeria as a hub for digital talent.
The statement reads, “on International Youth Day, President Bola Tinubu celebrates Nigeria’s youths and extols their creative zeal and agency to drive digital adoption, trends, and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
“The International Youth Day is celebrated every August 12, and the 2024 theme is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.’
President Tinubu affirmed that within the nation’s youths lies the excellent spirit and pearl of transformation to digitally innovate Nigeria to prosperity and global acclaim.
The President acknowledged the strides of the youth in diverse spheres, especially in developing billion-dollar technologies and innovations to make the world a more prosperous and evolved place.
The President saluted that Nigerian youth in Ebute Metta with only a ringlight and a camera, creating legitimate income and wonders in amusement; that young woman entrepreneur in Aba, creating inimitable fashion pieces, and that young man in Kano, creating pathways for sustainable agriculture through agro-technology.
On this special occasion to celebrate the youth, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration is here to make their dreams come true in a sustainably expanding, inclusive economy.
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen also reaffirmed the Green Chamber’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians as the world marks International Youth Day.
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While congratulating Nigerian youths on the celebration, Speaker Abbas noted that the 10th House, under his leadership, has prioritised youth-oriented legislation and would continue to give issues affecting the youths the utmost attention that they deserve.
The Speaker urged the youths to remain patriotic and law-abiding, while seeking their belief that Nigeria would succeed.
He equally sought their support for the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make this happen.
The House of Representatives also reaffirmed Commitment to Sustainable Development.
It added that this year’s theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” resonates profoundly with the legislative priorities of the 10th House of Representatives.
“With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, and approximately 110 million young people aged 15-34, the youth are a vital force driving our country’s future. Recognising their potential, the House is committed to empowering young Nigerians as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development.
“In alignment with this commitment, the House introduced Agenda 6 on Inclusion, which focuses on integrating youth into national development processes. The establishment of two dedicated committees – the Committee on Youth Development and the Committee on Youth in Parliament – in July 2023, further exemplifies this commitment. These committees play a crucial role in addressing youth-related issues and ensuring that young Nigerians have a voice in legislative matters.”
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The Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, Mr. Esin Martins Etim said that the theme of the celebration aligned with Legislative Agenda, and that the house is resolute in advocating for a youth-responsive budget to strengthen youth empowerment and broaden access to vocational and technological training.
“Our commitment is to formulate policies that advance digital literacy and open up opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” Mr Etim said.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala said that “the 10th House of Representatives is dedicated to providing economic opportunities, fostering inclusion, and enhancing youth participation in governance. By prioritising these areas, we aim to create a more inclusive and progressive Nigeria where the youth can thrive and contribute to national development.”
He said that “as the youths celebrate International Youth Day 2024, let us recognise the incredible potential of Nigeria’s youth and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their growth and development, particularly in the area of technology. Together, we can turn digital innovation into meaningful progress and sustainable development for our nation.”
In a related development, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election has reiterated the need to invest in our Youths as the panacea to the several societal ills confronting the nation.
He took to his official X page on Monday to make this assertion.
“As the global community commemorates International Youth Day today, I add my voice in reminding us, the leaders, that youths remain the bedrock of the development of any country. Therefore, their future must be prioritized and placed in the front row of our development agenda.
For a predominantly youthful nation, investing in our youths remains critical to overcoming many of the societal challenges we face today in trying to position the nation on the path of true development” he said.
Similarly, his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party and former Nigeria’s vice president, Atiku Abubakar said:
“As we commemorate International Youth Day, let’s celebrate the power of our young people in driving sustainable development through digital pathways. I also urge leaders and stakeholders to commit to harness the energy of our youths and to make the necessary investments in this regard, towards a greater future for all” he wrote on X.
