President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the ongoing economic reforms will reverse human capital flight by creating a more prosperous Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Tinubu assured that the government’s policies aim to empower Nigerian youths, who make up over 60 per cent of the population.
“I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you. Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future,” Tinubu said.
“When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to have a great future.”
Addressing concerns over professionals leaving Nigeria, the President emphasized that economic stability and prosperity at home would discourage migration.
“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he stated.
The 44-member planning committee was tasked with developing a framework for the national conference, with Tinubu pledging that the government would implement their recommendations.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. The government of today is all about you,” he said. “You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously.”
Tinubu highlighted that economic indicators show improvement, including falling prices of goods and a stabilizing exchange rate.
He assured that the government is committed to creating an environment where investors and technology advancements can thrive.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande praised the President’s initiatives, noting that more than 260,000 students had already benefited from the administration’s student loan scheme.
He also acknowledged infrastructural developments such as the renovation of the Third Mainland Bridge and the resolution of passport issuance backlogs.
Samson Itodo, a member of the committee, described the conference as a significant step in involving Nigerian youths in national development.
He outlined key areas of focus, including political governance, economic transformation, Artificial Intelligence, climate change, energy transition, social cohesion, and security.
The committee’s engagement strategy will include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and an Abuja conference to shape youth-centred policies.