Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians by bridging financial access gaps, fostering innovation, and ensuring their active involvement in policy formulation.
CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, made the declaration during a youth action workshop with the theme: “The Youths are Here”, emphasising the bank’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. The workshop was hosted by the central Bank in Abuja on Friday.
The CBN governor said the bank has a strategy to strengthen partnerships with civil society, international organizations, and the private sector. These collaborations, he noted, will amplify the impact of youth-led initiatives, create jobs, and drive innovation – critical elements for national and global progress.
“The CBN is committed to forging strategic partnerships that will empower young people and underserved communities,” Cardoso who was represented by the deputy governor, economic policy, Muhammad Dani Abdullahi stated. “By working together with urgency and purpose, we can align our efforts with the Pact of the Future to build a Nigeria where the youth can dream boldly and innovate confidently.”
Beyond financial inclusion, the CBN said it is also prioritising youth participation in economic policymaking. Cardoso stressed the importance of integrating young voices into governance, noting that policies must reflect their aspirations and lived realities. To this end, the apex bank aims to establish platforms that facilitate meaningful engagement between policymakers and the younger generation.
The governor concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to translate ideas into tangible outcomes with clear timelines and measurable goals.
He emphasised that success in youth empowerment requires strong collaboration, accountability, and well-defined roles for all involved.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria stands resolute in its dedication to this cause,” Cardoso assured.
“Our commitment to economic and youth development is unwavering, and we look forward to seeing the transformative impact of your efforts.”
With Nigeria’s youth population growing rapidly, the CBN’s renewed focus on inclusion and innovation signals a crucial step toward harnessing their potential for national development.
He said in its effort of promoting youth empowerment for economic transformation, the monetary authorities will harness economic policies to create opportunities for youth to thrive as entrepreneurs, innovators, and key drivers of economic development.
Cardoso said initiatives such as youth-friendly credit policies and capacity-building programmes will be enhanced to equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed, especially in emerging sectors like the green economy and digital transformation.
“Advancing Sustainable Development 65 Goals through financial inclusion remains central to our mission,” he stated.
Yusuf Mohammed who represented the country director of the United Nations (UN) said the global body is solidly behind Nigerian youths in their quest to make the country better. Un said it is working with the government and the private sector to create the enabling environment for the youths to thrive. “To the young people, step forward, seek partnerships, innovate with compassion and integrity,” He stated.
Minister of youths development, Ayodele Olawande said he is ready to design and deploy youths-focused strategies and programmes to help them realise their potentials for national development. The minister also urged CBN to establish a youths desk in its office for the formulation and implementation of the programmes on youth empowerment.
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