Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said the mass exodus of young and skilled population popularly known as “Japa Syndrome” would soon end because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying the groundwork for a stable, prosperous Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, the minister said the ongoing reforms and empowerment initiatives by the Tinubu-led administration were aimed at creating an environment where Nigerian youth could thrive and take pride in their country.
“Everything the president is doing now is for the future. And I promise you, in the near future, everybody will prefer to come and stay in Nigeria than remain abroad because the country is being stabilised,” Olawande said.
He emphasised that Nigerian youths have felt disconnected from leadership for too long, but President Tinubu’s administration is making deliberate efforts to reverse that trend.
“There are 40 years of breaking. Youths have not been able to see, touch, or feel the government. But now, we are putting all the structures together. Skills, education, partnerships are being put together to bring them back into the fold,” he said.
He added that Nigeria is now working toward a model where “one Nigerian should have two skills,” promoting employability and productivity among youths across sectors.
The minister also revealed his recent diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he engaged in youth development collaborations. He said this move signalled the growing international recognition of Nigeria’s new youth agenda.
“I happened to be the first black Nigerian man to visit that place, and they gave me access to it, just because of what the president is doing,” Olawande said.
During the colourful anniversary ceremony, the Deji of Akure honoured Olawande with a Special Youth Leadership Service Award.
Expressing gratitude, he said the award renewed his passion and commitment to serving Nigerian youth with integrity.
“It was a deeply symbolic occasion that reflected the rich cultural heritage, enduring unity, and progressive spirit of the Akure people,” he said.
The minister, who is a proud son of Akure, also used the occasion to call for unity among political actors in the kingdom, urging stakeholders to bury personal ambitions for a greater collective goal.
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