Shamsuddeen Mohammed, the son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has strongly criticized Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, over his recent food distribution efforts during a tour of northern Nigeria. Shamsuddeen took to social media to urge the President’s son to focus on providing sustainable empowerment initiatives for young Nigerians, particularly those in Bauchi State, rather than offering temporary handouts like food items.
In a post on Facebook Sunday, Shamsuddeen Mohammed, a prominent figure in Bauchi State, expressed his dissatisfaction with the distribution of food packages during Ramadan. He called for more meaningful and long-term solutions that could provide youths with opportunities for financial independence, rather than offering what he described as short-term relief.
“Please, when coming to Bauchi for the #RHYE, empower our youths with employment, Keke NAPEP (commercial tricycles), money to start a business, ICT infrastructure, and training for crypto trading, and so on,” Shamsuddeen wrote in his post, urging Seyi Tinubu to take a more proactive role in tackling youth unemployment in the region.
He further added, “Please, we, the youths of Bauchi, don’t need rice and food in nylon bags during Ramadan. Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day. They are not beggars.”
The criticism from Shamsuddeen Mohammed reflects a growing discontent in parts of the country, especially in northern states, where young people are increasingly vocal about their desire for empowerment and lasting economic opportunities. His comments echo the frustration many Nigerians feel about the reliance on temporary measures like food aid, which they argue do little to address the underlying causes of poverty and unemployment.
Shamsuddeen’s comments come in response to videos circulating on social media that show Seyi Tinubu, during a recent tour of northern Nigeria, distributing food items to people in need. These videos have sparked a range of reactions from the public. While some have praised the gesture as a sign of goodwill, others have criticized it as a shallow approach to addressing deeper, systemic issues such as unemployment and poverty.
Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, is involved in several charitable activities, and his recent visits to various northern states, including Bauchi, were part of his efforts to engage with the public and provide assistance to the less privileged. During his visits, food items and other materials were distributed to communities in need, with the goal of providing relief during the holy month of Ramadan.
However, as Shamsuddeen Mohammed pointed out, the practice of distributing food packages during Ramadan is seen by some as a short-term solution to deeper, more complex challenges facing Nigeria’s youth, particularly in the northern region, where unemployment rates are high.
Shamsuddeen’s call for more sustainable initiatives that provide youths with skills, access to employment, and opportunities for entrepreneurship is in line with broader demands across the country for long-term economic reforms that will create jobs and empower the next generation.
Youth unemployment has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, and the situation is particularly dire in the northern part of the country. According to recent reports, the unemployment rate in northern states is higher than in other parts of Nigeria, with young people making up a significant portion of the unemployed population.
This demographic has long been calling for more sustainable solutions that focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and access to financial resources. Young Nigerians have expressed their desire for the government and its representatives, including those close to the President, to provide them with the tools they need to succeed, rather than relying on temporary measures like food aid.
The frustration with short-term fixes, such as the distribution of food during Ramadan, reflects a broader disillusionment with the effectiveness of such gestures in addressing the root causes of economic hardship. Many believe that the key to solving youth unemployment lies in creating an enabling environment for young people to access quality education, vocational training, and opportunities to start their own businesses.
Shamsuddeen Mohammed’s comments highlight the importance of political figures in advocating for sustainable policies that address the real needs of young people. As the son of the governor of Bauchi State, Shamsuddeen is in a unique position to push for reforms that benefit the youth in his state, and his public criticism of Seyi Tinubu reflects his belief that more can be done to create lasting economic opportunities.
Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration in Bauchi has also been focused on improving youth empowerment, with various initiatives aimed at tackling unemployment and promoting skills development. However, critics argue that more needs to be done, especially in the face of Nigeria’s growing youth population and the challenges they face in securing stable, well-paying jobs.
While Seyi Tinubu’s efforts to distribute food and offer short-term relief to those in need are well-meaning, critics like Shamsuddeen are urging him and other political figures to focus on programs that can create sustainable change and address the underlying issues of poverty and unemployment.
The frustration expressed by Shamsuddeen Mohammed is part of a wider conversation about the need for systemic changes in Nigeria’s approach to youth development and empowerment. As young Nigerians continue to voice their concerns, there is an increasing demand for policies that go beyond mere charity work and focus on creating an environment where youth can thrive economically.
Entrepreneurship, vocational training, and job creation are among the key areas that many believe require more attention. Nigeria’s growing tech sector, for example, offers significant potential for youth empowerment, and initiatives that support young Nigerians in developing digital skills and engaging in the tech industry could have a transformative effect on the economy.
Furthermore, there is a call for more access to finance for young entrepreneurs, as many young Nigerians face challenges in securing the capital needed to start their own businesses. Providing access to loans, grants, and training in business management could help address some of the barriers that prevent young people from realizing their entrepreneurial potential.
