The Minister of Defence, His Excellency Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged Nigerian youth to embrace dialogue and engage in result-oriented initiatives for self-development and nation-building.
The Minister made this call while receiving a delegation from the Forum of Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants to Governors, led by the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives, Titi Gbadamosi, at the Ship House in Abuja.
Badaru emphasized that the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. He highlighted that one of the significant steps taken by the President was granting autonomy to local governments to ensure effective and accountable development at the grassroots level, thereby strengthening accessible governance.
He further noted that the President has introduced various palliatives, including social security interventions to states, post-subsidy removal presidential grants, and loan schemes to support Nigerians through their state governments.
The Minister also recalled initiatives specifically targeted at youth development, such as the Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, and the Skilled-Up Artisans Initiatives (SUPA).
Badaru advised the youth to collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Youths, and other agencies like the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Bank of Industry, and SMEDAN, to take full advantage of the programs and initiatives available for youth development.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Titi Gbadamosi, reiterated the Forum’s commitment to advancing youth development across the continent by fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. She announced that a significant event is scheduled to take place on October 1 and 2, 2024, at the International Conference Center in Abuja, which is designed to catalyze the active participation of Nigerian youth in nation-building and economic empowerment.
