President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared open the Strategic Youth Leadership Conference held at the National Defence College, Abuja.
The Conference, jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the National Defence College, convened young leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders under the theme “Youth and Leadership: Building a Foundation for Sustainable Strategic Leadership.”
The president, who was represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, underscored the vital role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future, noting that with over seventy percent of the population being youth, the destiny of the nation lies in their hands.
He affirmed that the energy, resilience, and creativity of the youth remain Nigeria’s greatest assets. However, he cautioned that energy without direction and potential without preparation could lead to frustration, stressing that the Conference provides a timely platform to instil values of ethical, innovative, and sustainable leadership.
The President reiterated that youth development occupies a central place in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He outlined ongoing strategic interventions designed to equip young Nigerians with skills, opportunities, and platforms to lead in diverse sectors.
These include initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Academy, which is targeting millions of youths with digital and vocational skills; the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme designed to position Nigeria as a global hub for advanced digital skills; the Digital Literacy for All initiative aimed at achieving seventy percent national literacy by 2027; as well as employment and enterprise programmes to generate millions of new jobs.
Other interventions include the Nigeria Health Fellowship, agricultural empowerment schemes, creative industry residencies, climate resilience corps, eco-friendly transport schemes, and dedicated youth enterprise loan facilities.
President Tinubu charged participants to seize the opportunity of the Conference to learn, collaborate, and build strong networks that will define the nation’s future.
He urged them to let their ideas, connections, and passion fuel the journey towards a greater Nigeria, reminding them that leadership is about impact and must begin within their immediate communities.
He further called on policymakers, educators, community leaders, and partners to create enabling environments that will support mentorship, inclusive governance, quality education, and economic empowerment for Nigerian youth.
Declaring the Conference open, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Nigeria where every young person has the opportunity to lead and contribute meaningfully to national development, reminding all present that the Nigeria desired tomorrow depends on the leadership built today.