President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that his administration’s economic policies will encourage Nigerian professionals who migrated in search of better opportunities to return home as he inaugurated committee for the National Youth Conference.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that his government is committed to fostering prosperity, particularly for the youth, who make up over 60% of the population.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed details of the meeting in a statement titled, ‘Nigerian Professionals Will Return As Economy Improves, President Tinubu Assures at Inauguration of National Youth Confab Planning Committee.’
The President addressed the ongoing “japa” trend, where Nigerians seek better opportunities abroad—assuring that improved economic conditions will eventually reverse the phenomenon.
“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he stated.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to securing a better future for young Nigerians, linking policy decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies,to long-term national stability.
“I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you. Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future. When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to have a great future,” he said.
He urged the newly inaugurated 44-member committee to ensure that the outcomes of the youth conference translate into meaningful policies, emphasizing that the government is committed to executing their recommendations.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” he said.
Reflecting on the nation’s economic trajectory, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties faced at the beginning of his reforms but assured Nigerians that progress is evident.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well. But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing,” he said.
The President underscored his administration’s openness to engaging with young Nigerians and incorporating their input in shaping the country’s future.
“Just look me in the face and tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way forward. Be frank. We will implement your suggestions so long as they are for the country’s prosperity,” he added.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised the President for prioritizing youth involvement in governance and creating platforms for dialogue.
He cited initiatives such as the student loan scheme and infrastructure projects as part of ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
A committee member, Samson Itodo, a hailed the conference as a major step in fostering youth participation in national development, identifying key areas of focus, including political governance, economic transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, energy transition, and security.
The implementation process for the conference will involve virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and a final congress in Abuja.
The planning committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, with members including Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Dr. Linus Okorie, Dr. Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, Hauwa Ibrahim, Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe, and Uchechukwu George Egbe, among others.
Monday’s inauguration follows Tinubu’s Independence Day address five months ago, where he announced plans for a 30-day national youth conference aimed at addressing pressing challenges faced by young Nigerians.
