President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development and innovation, describing investment in young people as critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and future prosperity.
Speaking on Saturday at the foundation-laying ceremony of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Centre for Youth Empowerment and Intercultural Dialogue at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as part of activities marking the university’s 65th anniversary, the President said the Centre would provide a platform for young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills, develop innovative ideas, establish businesses and collaborate with counterparts across Africa and beyond.
Tinubu, who was represented by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said Nigeria’s youthful population presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement and global competitiveness.
“Our young people must be equipped with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to drive innovation, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and future prosperity. This is part of our Renewed Hope Agenda for the youth. Our responsibility is to ensure that this great demographic strength becomes an engine of production rather than a source of despair,” he said.
He described the Centre as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and stressed the need to translate training into practical opportunities through partnerships with universities, private sector, investors and development institutions.
He also urged the university community to ensure the Centre promotes mutual understanding among young people from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, said the Centre would contribute meaningfully to youth empowerment, engagement and inclusion, which she described as central to the President’s agenda. She noted that naming the Centre after President Tinubu was to recognise and complement his efforts in advancing youth development.
In his remarks, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Rafiu Adejare Bello, commended Tinubu for improving access to university education, noting that interventions had renewed confidence in public universities. He disclosed that the project is approaching three-quarters of required funding and expressed optimism that it would be completed by April next year.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, described the Centre as a strategic investment in youth development, innovation, national unity and international cooperation. He said it would help address unemployment, limited skills, economic inequality and social exclusion while fostering peaceful coexistence and producing entrepreneurs, peacebuilders and future leaders.
