Why Nigerian Youths must be creative, collaborate for nations development, Youth Minister

***Take advantage of Tinubu’s commitment to integrating their perspectives in policy-making 

The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, has called on Nigerian youth to priotize on innovation and collaboration as vital tools for accelerating the country’s Socioeconomic development. 

Speaking at the third edition of the African Youth Conference held in Abuja on Saturday, he also charged them to take advantage of the commitment of President Tinubu to integrating the youth’s perspectives in policy-making 

Represented by Dotun Omoleye, Olawande the minister encouraged young Nigerians to recognize their significance in Nigeria’s progress, urging them to see themselves as key stakeholders in the nation’s development.
“The youths must look inward and see themselves as major drivers of national development,”  

The Minister acknowledged the vital role of creativity in addressing contemporary challenges in Africa, highlighting the importance of young people as active participants in national development. 

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implemented initiatives like the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) to empower young entrepreneurs with financial support, allowing them to launch businesses that tackle pressing issues.” Further, the Minister noted the unprecedented representation of youth in government positions, including senior cabinet roles, exemplifying that young people are already leaders today, not just the future leaders. 

This involvement he said underscored the administration’s commitment to integrating youth perspectives in policymaking. 

He indicated that creativity is crucial for developing sustainable solutions and that young minds are essential in identifying opportunities and driving innovation in the continent.

The Minister highlighted the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering youth, not just as policy beneficiaries, but as active participants in the development process. He noted that young Nigerians possess untapped potential capable of contributing significantly to the country’s growth.

David Nwokorie, the convener of the African Youth Conference, also urged the youth to make the most of available resources, stressing the importance of collective action in realizing the Nigerian dream. “All hands must be on deck to realize the Nigerian dream,” he said.

He said the Africa Youth Conference, focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals and aims to unite young people from across Africa

He encouraged participants to share ideas and develop initiatives addressing current youth issues, emphasizing collaboration with governments. 

The theme, “the creative mind, creating sustainable ideas for long-lasting solutions,” he said reflects the desire for youth to take initiative rather than relying solely on government action. 

Nwokorie stressed the importance of youth responsibility and creativity, asserting that governments can only provide the right environment and support. 

Other notable speakers, including Bitrus Lawrence Gariki, Mandate Secretary for FCT Area Council Services, and Chinezu Metu, a participant, echoed the call for government support in fostering an enabling environment for youth to thrive. They emphasized the need for young Nigerians to pursue innovative ventures that contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic progress.

The conference, themed “Creating Sustainable Ideas for Long-Lasting Solutions,” provided a platform for discussions on youth engagement and the pivotal role of innovation in national development.

It also facilitated  interaction between young leaders and government representatives to discuss challenges and solutions for a better future in Nigeria