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‎By Franca Ofili, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja.
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‎The Ministry of Youth Development says sustainable economic growth lies in unlocking the potential of young people, a demographic advantage critical for innovation, entrepreneurship, and transformative national development.
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‎Mr Ayodele Olawande, the minister of Youth Development, said this Monday in Abuja during a study tour by Senior Executive Course 48 (SEC 48), 2026 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
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‎Olawande, represented by Dr Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary, said the ministry championed policies empowering young Nigerians through entrepreneurship, digital skills, innovation, and access to financing for wealth creation and economic participation.
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‎“Our flagship initiatives aim to move youth from economic margins to the centre of productivity and wealth creation,” Olawande said.
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‎He emphasised the importance of youth-led contributions to national prosperity.
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‎“We are strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem by building human capital, expanding mentorship networks, and developing sustainable financing mechanisms for young innovators,” he added, linking youth empowerment to economic diversification.
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‎According to him, these efforts are critical to achieving economic diversification and reducing dependence on traditional revenue sources.
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‎He emphasised that youth engagement drove resilience and long-term national development strategies.
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‎Olawande said that the visit provided an opportunity for engagement, collaboration, and exchange of ideas to enrich policies for youth development and empowerment in Nigeria.
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‎“We look forward to your insights and recommendations on enhancing youth entrepreneurship for sustainable growth in Nigeria.
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‎“Explore innovative approaches and practical solutions with our team,” he said.
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‎The minister highlighted that participants would engage with the ministry’s leadership on policies, programmes, and strategic initiatives aimed at advancing youth development and economic participation.
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‎Keshinro, represented by Mr Anthony Chuckwka, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, commended NIPSS for shaping strategic leadership and policy direction critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification and national development.
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‎“Your theme on economic diversification and national development is timely and critical to Nigeria’s future. We see Nigeria’s youthful population as its greatest asset.
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‎“Our policies aim to transition youth from job seekers to job creators through entrepreneurship, digital skills, and access to financing,” she added, emphasising the importance of knowledge exchange during the visit.
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‎Prof. Ayo Omotayo, DG, NIPSS, represented by Musa Umar, Director Research, said the institute, established in 1979, trained strategic leaders and conducted research in national policy, leadership, and development.
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‎“It is a training place for strategic leaders. Our flagship Synergy Course lasts ten months and draws participants from the private sector, public sector, military, and civil society.
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‎“At the end, participants provide recommendations to address critical national issues assigned annually by the President, contributing to policy formulation and national development,” Omotayo added.
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‎He said the current SEC 48 study focused on the orange economy and entrepreneurship for sustainable growth, highlighting the youth as central to Nigeria’s innovation and economic transformation.
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‎“That is why we are here today. We consider this ministry critical in discussing the orange economy and entrepreneurship because youth are at the heart of these sectors,” Omotayo ended.
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