President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called on Nigerian youths to pursue their ambitions with courage and innovation, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to skills development and youth empowerment.
Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) Platform and Grant Award Ceremony, organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Tinubu said young Nigerians would remain central to Nigeria’s development agenda. The President was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Themed “One Youth, Two Skills,” the initiative will support 300 young Nigerians—200 from the formal sector and 100 from the informal sector—with grants to boost their enterprises.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged Nigerian youths to build boldly and innovate fearlessly.
“You are the generation that will continue the task of building this nation. Deploy your ideas, creativity, and energy to drive the growth and development of this country,” he said, adding that the programme aligns with his administration’s broader reforms targeted at empowering young innovators.
Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at easing regulatory constraints for small businesses, improving tax processes, and expanding access to credit and financing opportunities.
“Alongside these reforms, we have expanded support programmes across technology, agriculture, manufacturing, the creative economy, and green energy skills to ensure young innovators have multiple pathways to succeed,” he said.
He added that the NIYA GIGS platform will link young Nigerians to paid jobs locally and internationally, while NIYA Academy, NIYA Startup, and NIYA Jobs will provide training, funding, and market access.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the launch as a historic moment, particularly for young entrepreneurs in the informal sector.
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“For the first time, we are providing tools and sustainable opportunities for the informal sector. Over 200 youth-led startups will receive ₦1 million each, while more than 100 young artisans will get ₦500,000 to support their businesses,” he said.
Olawande noted that the NIYA GIG platform positions Nigerian youths to compete globally and earn steady income.
Also speaking, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the initiative reinforces the administration’s commitment to placing youths at the heart of national development.
Members of the Federal Executive Council and senior government officials were present at the event.