The Nigerian government has reassured citizens that its youth empowerment initiatives are driven by a genuine commitment to expanding opportunities for young people, rather than partisan politics. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this clarification during an interactive session with youths from the APC Youth Wing and tertiary institutions in Abuja.
Idris emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s youth-focused programs, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation. According to the minister, over 788,000 students are currently benefiting from NELFUND, with more than N250 billion committed to tuition support and student upkeep across tertiary institutions nationwide.
The 3MTT Programme, a flagship digital skills initiative, aims to train three million Nigerians in high-demand technical and digital skills to improve employability and competitiveness in the global digital economy. Idris noted that the program’s success is evident in its ability to attract participants from across the political spectrum, with even those who initially expressed skepticism now enrolling.
The minister described the Tinubu administration as the most youth-friendly in Nigeria’s history, citing large-scale empowerment programs and the deliberate appointment of young people into strategic leadership positions. He urged young Nigerians to trust the administration and take advantage of the opportunities being created, highlighting the positive outcomes of the President’s bold economic reforms, including a steady reduction in food prices and a decline in inflation.
Nigeria’s recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list is also seen as a significant milestone, strengthening the integrity of the financial system and enhancing investor confidence. Idris called on young Nigerians to use their influence on social media responsibly, amplifying verified information and countering misinformation to promote national development.
The Renewed Hope Agenda, according to Idris, remains firmly anchored on youth empowerment, inclusion, and national renewal, with the future the administration is building belonging to all Nigerians. As the government continues to lay a strong foundation for sustainable national prosperity, it is imperative for young Nigerians to continue supporting the administration’s efforts and to use their numerical strength on social media to promote verified information and counter misinformation.