The Federal Government (FG) has reiterated its commitment to empowering young Nigerians through strategic programmes focused on education, job creation, and innovation, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Speaking as the Special Guest Speaker at the APC North West Youth Pally in Dutse yesterday, Minister Idris reaffirmed that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” under President Bola Tinubu is prioritising the youth, noting that they are the drivers of the administration’s progress.
Idris stated that Tinubu has demonstrated an uncommon trust in the youth by offering them significant leadership opportunities, from cabinet positions to roles in digital innovation and educational reform.
The Minister provided specific results from major youth-focused initiatives.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has already disbursed ₦116 billion to more than 620,000 students.
The 3MTT Programme, aimed at creating three million digital and technical jobs, has attracted nearly two million applicants.
Meanwhile, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme has certified one million Nigerians across 25 different trades, with a quarter of those certified already placed in training centres.
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“These are not plans, they are results already being felt in schools, workshops, and communities across the country,” Idris asserted.
He outlined further policy achievements expected to benefit young entrepreneurs and enhance the nation’s global standing.
Under the Nigeria Tax Act, which takes effect in January 2026, small businesses earning ₦100 million or less will be exempt from company income and capital gains taxes.
Idris said the measure will enable thousands of young entrepreneurs to “reinvest in their dreams.”
The Rural Electrification Agency’s Energising Education Programme is providing uninterrupted power to federal universities and teaching hospitals, including Bayero University Kano and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, thereby supporting students in their studies and research.
The iDICE initiative, a $517 million partnership, is currently underway to stimulate growth in the digital and creative economy.
Idris also cited Nigeria’s recent 400 per cent oversubscription of its Eurobond as “clear proof of growing global confidence” in the country’s economic direction.
He highlighted the nation’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List as an additional boost to credibility.
Idris used the platform to appeal to young people to shun fake news and divisive rhetoric, emphasising that the nation’s future is dependent on unity and positive action.
“Let’s use our voices and our platforms to build, not to destroy,” he urged, stressing that President Tinubu’s leadership is dedicated to giving every Nigerian “a fair chance to succeed.”
The Youth Pally, held at the Jigawa State Government House Banquet Hall, was attended by key dignitaries, including the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, among other delegates and officials from the North West APC.
