On the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD), Nigerian leaders have renewed their commitment to providing opportunities for the youths to excel.
In his message, President Bola Tinubu said he remained unwavering in creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s unflinching commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths in Lagos through the THEMES+ agenda of his administration, while his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde assured the youths of his administration’s unwavering support towards ensuring their dreams and hopes are actualised.
T.H.E.M.E.S, which has been the developmental thrust of the Sanwo-Olu administration, stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment and Tourism; and Security and Governance.
From job creation, education and skills development to digital innovation, financial technology, and youth participation in governance, President Tinubu emphasizes that youth empowerment is a fundamental pillar of all reform actions being implemented across sectors, in order to create an environment where Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
The President acknowledges the growing interest and impact of many young Nigerians in technology-related fields the world over and vows to honour his campaign commitment of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy for their upliftment and national economic development more broadly. He strongly believes in the principle, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and remains undeterred in his focus on delivery.
As agents of change, President Tinubu urges the youth to champion national progress, unity and collective prosperity for all citizens of our beloved country.
In tandem with the theme of this year’s event: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” the President implores young Nigerians to spearhead efforts aimed at achieving the highest quality of sustainable development, which will shape the future of our planet in conformity with his agenda of expanding green job opportunities and advocating for renewable energy solutions as an integral part of Nigeria’s current and future energy mix.
The President assures the younger generation that his administration will consistently engage with and listen to them with a view to implementing their important and forward-looking feedback.
Highlighting his commitment to active listening and engagement, President Tinubu notes that the enactment of The Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to the Student Bodies of all Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education nationwide stand out as tangible examples of his administration’s responsiveness.
Sanwo-Olu saluted Nigerian youths, describing them as drivers of the new economic frontiers in the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the governor said that Nigerian youths are the drivers of the creative and digital economy.
He said that Nigerian youths’ contributions to the creative and digital economy in the country are evidenced by the fact that they constitute the demographic of influence who are the new employers of labour.
The governor said: “We celebrate the heroic souls who are defying the odds of the new global economic headwinds to open up new economic frontiers for our nation. It is on account of your resilient spirits that we have become the beautiful bride of the world’s technological leaders. Through you, our music rules the world and our movies travel across borders.
“We celebrate you on this occasion of the International Youth Day and pledge our government’s unflinching commitment to remain an enabler of your noble dreams. A significant part of our T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda is about you putting the wind beneath your wings as creators of a new future for our dear State and indeed our nation.”
In his video message on his verified X (Twitter) account, Makinde said his administration is not unaware of the challenges and struggles facing the youths of the state, stating that he will collaborate with them to solve the challenges.
He assured that the dreams, struggles, and hopes of the youth would be fulfilled through sustainable actions by his administration.
He added that his second tenure as the governor of Oyo State would prioritise equipping the youth of the state with skills, supporting the private sector, and providing youth with valuable opportunities that will help them thrive in the 21st century.
He said: “Our dear youth in Oyo state, as you join the rest of the world to celebrate International Youth Day, let me take this opportunity to reinforce our commitment to you. We are aware of your struggle, your dreams, and your hopes, and we are committed to fulfilling them through sustainable actions. That is why under ‘Omituntun 2.0,’ we commit to working with you to move Oyo state forward, empowering you to acquire great skills for socio-economic development, providing adequate support for the private sector to thrive, thus giving you the opportunity to put your 21st-century knowledge, skills, and value into practice. Happy International Youth Day 2023.”
International Youth Day (IYD) is a day of awareness set aside by the United Nations. It focuses on highlighting particular cultural and legal concerns pertaining to the youth. It was first observed on 12th August 2000.
