In a landmark address on Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to the empowerment of Nigerian youth and the broader future of the country, declaring that his decision to remove fuel subsidies was aimed at securing a prosperous tomorrow for future generations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President explained that his administration’s policies, including the controversial fuel subsidy removal, were meant to safeguard Nigeria’s future, particularly for young people.
During his address, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of today’s decisions for tomorrow. He shared that removing the fuel subsidy, though difficult, was essential for ensuring long-term economic stability and growth.
“I’ve listened to you carefully. Today is not for long speeches. I just want to reassure you that you are the hope of the country. Everything hangs on your future, every decision that I’ve taken is all about tomorrow,” the President stated.
Tinubu stressed that the removal of the fuel subsidy was not an action aimed at short-term convenience but rather a strategy for securing the future of young Nigerians. He likened the subsidy removal to a necessary step in ensuring future generations, especially the youth, could benefit from long-term economic reforms.
“When you remove oil subsidy, you’re protecting the future of generations yet unborn, the youth. Where’s the investment for the infrastructure? When you listen to the majority of professionals talking about ‘Japa’, leaving Nigeria, it’s because if you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother to leave. They will stay home. This is your home, to develop, build and make it prosper,” he added.
His comments on the growing trend of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad—often referred to as the ‘Japa’ phenomenon—were particularly poignant, as many young Nigerians have expressed frustration over the lack of opportunities in their home country.
President Tinubu continued to highlight his administration’s focus on youth empowerment, reassuring young Nigerians that his policies were designed to address their concerns and build a better future. The President expressed confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s youth to drive the country forward and highlighted that their involvement in governance would be crucial to the nation’s success.
“Government of the day is all about you, take it very seriously. You can abuse politicians all you like, but politics is about development and about the future generation. I’m glad you are all here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow and day after. I’m with you,” Tinubu said.
His words were a call to action for Nigerian youth to embrace their roles as the leaders of tomorrow and to take ownership of the country’s development. He reiterated that his government would do everything possible to clear obstacles and create an environment that would allow young Nigerians to flourish.
In his speech, President Tinubu also took the opportunity to reflect on the state of the Nigerian economy, noting the challenges that his administration had faced but also highlighting the progress made under his leadership.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We tried hard and we were fetching water from a dry well, but today, the economy has turned the corner, prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking in, and technology is advancing,” Tinubu said.
The President’s words suggest that despite the difficult start, his administration has made substantial strides in stabilising the economy. As Nigeria continues to face significant economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, the President’s optimism about future growth serves as a reminder of the long-term vision his government holds.
“You have the opportunity. It’s all in your hands,” he told the youth, encouraging them to seize the opportunities presented by the country’s evolving economy.
In his address, Tinubu expressed a deep connection to the youth, acknowledging the energy and potential they bring to the nation’s development. He further encouraged them to be vocal about their concerns and suggestions, ensuring that the government remains responsive to their needs.
“Look at me in the face, tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way you want things done or suggestions. We’ll try to implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country,” Tinubu assured the youth leaders in attendance.
The President’s words underlined the administration’s openness to dialogue and its desire to involve young Nigerians in the process of governance and nation-building.
“You represent over 60 percent of our population, you’re the heartbeat of our nation,” Tinubu continued, highlighting the importance of youth in shaping the country’s future.
The event also saw the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee, a group tasked with organising a national conference aimed at promoting youth engagement and addressing the concerns of young Nigerians. This committee, which includes representatives from various sectors, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, civil society organisations, and international bodies like the World Bank, is expected to play a vital role in amplifying youth voices in the governance process.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who spoke at the event, reiterated that the President’s administration is committed to listening to young people and integrating their ideas into the national development agenda. He emphasised that the government was ready to work with the youth to develop policies that would positively impact their lives.
“The confab will be convoked to promote youth engagement. This is a government that listens and is willing to incorporate the ideas and contributions of young people,” Olawande said.
One of the lead members of the committee, Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, praised President Tinubu for recognising the importance of youth in governance and for creating a platform that allows young Nigerians to contribute to national development.
“It’s a great opportunity for the youth of Nigeria to have their voices heard at the highest level of government,” Itodo said.
As the youth confab draws nearer, many Nigerians hope that it will provide a space for meaningful dialogue and concrete solutions to the issues facing the nation’s young population.
In closing, President Tinubu shared a lighthearted remark, expressing his admiration for the youth in attendance and joking, “I can’t be youth again, maybe in the next life, I’m envious of all of you.”
This candid comment, delivered with warmth, reminded the youth of their unique potential and the responsibility they carry as the future leaders of Nigeria.
