President Bola Tinubu’s youth empowerment initiatives are designed for all Nigerian youth, irrespective of their political affiliations, according to Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris. He emphasized that the programs are driven by a genuine commitment to expanding opportunities and fostering national prosperity, dispelling notions that they are exclusively for members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

During an interactive session with youth representatives in Abuja, Idris clarified the inclusive nature of key government programs. He specifically highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, stating unequivocally that “NELFUND is for Nigerians; it is not for APC. The 3MTT is for Nigerians; it is not for APC.”

The minister detailed the significant impact of these initiatives, noting that over 788,000 students are currently benefiting from NELFUND, with more than N250 billion allocated for tuition and student support. The 3MTT program, a digital skills initiative, aims to equip millions of Nigerians with high-demand technical competencies, enhancing their employability in the global digital economy.

Idris expressed his satisfaction that even individuals with differing political views are engaging with and benefiting from these programs. This widespread adoption, he asserted, demonstrates the effectiveness and intended reach of the initiatives, proving that they are indeed serving the nation’s youth as planned.

He further positioned the current administration as historically youth-friendly, pointing not only to large-scale empowerment schemes but also to the strategic appointment of young individuals into key leadership roles. The minister urged young Nigerians to place their trust in the government’s significant investments in their future and its ongoing efforts to create pathways for success.

Addressing economic reforms, Idris indicated that President Tinubu’s policies are yielding positive results, citing a declining inflation rate that has fallen to 14.45 percent, below the projected 15 percent. The nation’s recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list was also presented as a crucial step towards enhancing financial system integrity and attracting international investment.

The minister called upon Nigerian youth to harness their influence, particularly on social media, responsibly. He stressed the importance of amplifying verified information and actively countering misinformation to foster a more informed and constructive public discourse.

Ultimately, Idris reiterated that the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” remains centered on comprehensive youth empowerment, inclusivity, and national renewal. He assured the attendees that the future being built by the government is intended to benefit all citizens of Nigeria, solidifying a shared vision for national progress.

Read Original

Keywords: Tinubu youth programs, Mohammed Idris, NELFUND, 3MTT Programme, Nigerian youth empowerment, economic reforms Nigeria, youth inclusion, digital skills training