President Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized that the development of Northern Nigeria is critical to the nation’s overall prosperity. Speaking at a Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the late Sir Ahmadu Bello’s vision that a thriving Nigeria requires every region to flourish.
Acknowledging the North’s challenges, Tinubu lamented the nation’s high number of out-of-school children, calling for urgent action to transform this into an opportunity. He introduced a comprehensive youth development strategy designed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential across multiple sectors.
Key initiatives unveiled include the "3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT)" programme, "Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA)", "National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP)", and the "Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA)". Tinubu also highlighted investments in higher education through the "Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)" and digital entrepreneurship via iDICE.
The President stressed the North’s role as an agricultural hub and announced plans for a "National Youth Development Bank" and "Youth Data Bank" to support young Nigerians. On security, he committed to strengthening community policing and addressing regional challenges.
This ambitious plan underscores Tinubu’s focus on youth empowerment as a cornerstone of national prosperity.
Source:
Daily Post
