The Federal Government has unveiled plans to invest N110 billion in youth empowerment programs aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigerian youth.
Speaking at the fourth Zonal Town Hall meeting for youth in the North East, held in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, highlighted the government’s commitment to creating sustainable solutions that promote inclusivity and enable young people to play a key role in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
A central component of the initiative is the restructuring of the Youth Investment Fund, which now has a capital base of N110 billion. This fund is designed to foster a supportive ecosystem for youth enterprises, facilitating job creation and driving economic growth.
Dr. Ibrahim also noted that part of the fund will be allocated to the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs in key sectors such as agro-forestry, information and communication technology (ICT), the creative industry, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy.
“The Presidential Initiatives on Enterprise Clusters, powered by the Youth Investment Fund, will provide young Nigerians with opportunities in critical sectors that are vital to the country’s economic future,” said Dr. Ibrahim. She emphasized the government’s dedication to tackling the challenges facing youth, including insecurity, unemployment, and lack of financial support.
Special focus will be given to the North East region, which has been severely affected by insurgency over the past 15 years. Dr. Ibrahim pledged to collaborate with civil society and youth organizations to implement the programs effectively.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, emphasized the importance of youth in driving economic growth. He announced that the state would host the seventh National Council on Youth Development later this year and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to create more programs that support youth advancement.
“The government of Borno State, under my leadership, will continue to establish initiatives that promote youth development in the state,” Governor Zulum assured.
State Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Poverty Alleviation, Sayina Buba, encouraged active participation in the town hall meetings, which saw representation from over 500 youth leaders across Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe states.
During the interactive session, representatives from student unions, civil society, and youth groups urged the federal government to address critical issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and poverty.
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