President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed the efforts of the Nigerian Youths in bringing his administration to power, declaring that “This government belongs to you.”
The President made this known in a statement to commemorate the International youth day.
He said his government is mindful of the fact that Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, and said the country was proud of what the youths of the country have achieved and what they are able to do.
“You are the strength and future of our country. Please be assured that this administration will create an enabling environment for you to realize your potentials,” Buhari said.
He said his administration has launched a number of initiatives targeted at expanding the economic opportunities available to young people in Nigeria.
“N-Power, our job creation scheme, for which applications are on-going, will employ 500,000 of you in agriculture, education, healthcare and technology,” the President said.
He added that “The Aso Villa Demo Day will soon bring 30 of the most innovative young Nigerians to the State House to showcase their talents in providing technology-based solutions to some of our most challenging problems.”
Buhari said that as part of his administration’s N500 billion Social Investment Programme, the “Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, GEEP, will provide soft loans to thousands of young entrepreneurs across the country.
He assured that his government is committed to improving the quality of the lives of all Nigerians and to create opportunities for the young people to achieve their dreams and ambitions.
Jonathan Says Youths Are The Assets Of The Country
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently on an AU election monitoring assignment in Zambia, has also praised the resilience and ingenuity of the Nigerian Youth.
“Nigeria … has no greater asset than our youth,” Jonathan said on his twitter handle on Friday.
“As we create new opportunities for the Youth, they continue to inspire me.
“When we perform exploits at the Olympics, Youth World Cups, AFCON, and other sporting events, it is because of the great Nigerian youths.
“When Nigeria’s economy became the largest economy on the African continent, it was and is because of our youths.
“My message to youths is to urge you to continue to develop yourself through positive endeavors. The future is yours,” the former president concluded.