President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration’s economic reforms will encourage professionals who left the country in search of better opportunities to return.
During the inauguration of the National Youth Conference Implementation Committee on Monday, Tinubu emphasized that the government’s policies aim to foster prosperity, especially for young Nigerians, who make up over 60% of the population.
“Most professionals leaving Nigeria have a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” said Tinubu.
He further noted that his economic reforms were already showing positive signs, stating, “When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well. But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing.”
Tinubu urged the 44-member committee to ensure that recommendations from the youth conference lead to impactful policies. “This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” he added.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the President for prioritizing youth inclusion and creating platforms for engagement, highlighting initiatives such as the student loan scheme and infrastructure development aimed at improving opportunities for young people.
The youth conference is set to address critical issues like political governance, economic transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, energy transition, and security. Virtual consultations, regional town hall meetings, and a final congress in Abuja will form part of the implementation process.
The committee will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya.