At APC Youth Rally, Federal Government Says It’s Committed To Empowering Young Nigerians

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians through transformative programmes that promote education, job creation, and innovation.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this during the APC North-West Youth Rally held in Dutse, Jigawa State, where young people gathered to celebrate the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the past two years.

Idris said President Tinubu has demonstrated “uncommon trust” in the youth by giving them real responsibilities and opportunities to lead.

“From cabinet appointments to digital innovation and education reforms, young Nigerian are not just part of the story — they are the drivers of it,” he said.

The Minister highlighted several key youth-focused achievements of the administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦116 billion to over 620,000 students, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which has attracted nearly two million applicants in the drive to create digital and technical jobs nationwide.

He also noted the success of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, which has certified one million Nigerians in 25 different trades, with a quarter of them already placed in training centres.

“These are not plans — they are results already being felt in schools, workshops, and communities across the country,” he said.

The Minister further explained that the Rural Electrification Agency’s Energizing Education Programme is providing reliable power to federal universities and teaching hospitals such as Bayero University Kano and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, giving students uninterrupted electricity for study and research.

On economic reforms, Idris said the Nigeria Tax Act, which takes effect in January 2026, will exempt small businesses earning ₦100 million or less from company income and capital gains taxes — a move aimed at helping young entrepreneurs reinvest and expand their ventures.

He also mentioned other ongoing initiatives, including the MSME Clinics, the iDICE Initiative — a $517 million partnership to boost the digital and creative economy — and Nigeria’s recent Eurobond oversubscription by 400 percent, which he described as “clear proof of growing global confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction.”

Idris added that Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List underscored the administration’s credibility and international standing.

The Minister urged Nigerian youths to shun fake news and divisive rhetoric, emphasizing the importance of unity and positive engagement in nation-building.

“Let’s use our voices and our platforms to build, not to destroy,” he said. “Tinubu’s leadership is about giving every Nigerian, no matter where they come from, a fair chance to succeed.”

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a nation where the energy, innovation, and creativity of young people continue to drive progress and national renewal.