Youth Minister: Nigeria's Young Population is Key to Innovation and Economic Growth
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has declared that Nigeria's youthful population serves as a critical driver for innovation, enterprise, and economic transformation. The minister made this assertion while receiving participants of the Senior Executive Course 48 (SEC 48) from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) on a study visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Olawande, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, stated that the Ministry is intensifying efforts to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This includes initiatives focused on human capital development, expanding mentorship programs, and establishing sustainable financing frameworks. These measures are designed to empower young Nigerians to build and scale viable enterprises, moving them from the margins of economic participation to the center of productivity and wealth creation.
"We firmly believe that the pathway to sustainable national growth lies in unlocking the immense potential of our young people," Olawande emphasized. "Nigeria's youth population represents not only a demographic advantage but also a strategic asset for innovation, enterprise, and economic transformation."
Alignment with National Priorities
The minister noted that the theme of the NIPSS course, which focuses on economic diversification and national development, aligns perfectly with the priorities of the current administration. He commended NIPSS for its sustained role in shaping visionary leaders and advancing strategic policy thinking in Nigeria.
Olawande highlighted that the Ministry champions policies and programs aimed at youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, digital innovation, skills development, and improved access to finance. These flagship initiatives are crucial for transitioning Nigerian youths from job seekers to job creators.
NIPSS Study on the Orange Economy
Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, represented by the Director of Research, Prof Musa Emmanuel, explained that the Institute remains Nigeria's apex think tank, established in 1979 to address leadership gaps across sectors. He noted that the Ministry of Youth Development is central to their study, given the critical role of young people in driving entrepreneurship and the Orange Economy.
"We consider this Ministry pivotal to discussions around the Orange Economy and entrepreneurship," Omotayo said. "It is impossible to meaningfully discuss these themes without focusing on the youth, which makes your Ministry central to our study."
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had mandated participants of SEC 48 to undertake a study on "The Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria." The Senior Executive Course is a 10-month residential program that brings together participants from diverse sectors to deliberate on critical national issues and propose practical solutions.
Enriching Policy Recommendations
Omotayo added that the visit aimed to interact and deepen their understanding of the policies and programs being implemented by the Ministry. This engagement will enrich their analysis and help develop well-informed recommendations, which will ultimately be presented to President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, represented by Dr. Anthony Chukwuka, reiterated that the Ministry's programs are designed to transition Nigerian youths through targeted interventions in entrepreneurship, digital skills, and access to finance. This comprehensive approach underscores the government's commitment to harnessing the potential of the youth for national development.
