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I am deeply honored to be part of this momentous Youth Summit, organized by the Nigeria Police Force, in commemoration of the United Nations Youth Day 2024. This visionary initiative by the Nigeria Police Force represents a vital opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the contributions and potentials of young people, who are the heartbeat of our great nation. It is a special avenue to deliberate on the pressing issues of national security and development, which are most crucial to our collective progress and prosperity.
As a government, we acknowledge the challenges faced by our youths, including unemployment, and we are committed to addressing them. We equally recognize the vital role our youths play in shaping our nation’s future and celebrate their resilience, creativity, energy, and aspirations. We acknowledge that our youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow but also the partners of today. That is why, as part of my Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government under my leadership has continued to involve minds in appointments into various political and executive offices. We therefore believe strongly that the ideas, innovations, and actions that young people generate in forums like this and beyond have the power to shape our present and lay a solid foundation for our future. This summit is therefore a testament to our commitment to engaging our young people and empowering them to reach their full potential.
As we gather here today, we are reminded of the importance of empowering our youth beginning with constructive engagement. We must create opportunities for them to grow, to learn, and to thrive. We must listen to their voices, their concerns, and their ideas. We must support them in their pursuit of excellence and their quest for a better future. By doing so, we will unlock their full potential, foster their creativity, and harness their energy. We will build a generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers who will shape the future of our nation and the world.
The theme of the Summit, “Enhancing Nigerian Youth Value for National Security Intelligence,” is particularly timely and relevant. It resonates deeply with our collective aspirations for a safer, more secure, and prosperous Nigeria. It reminds us that the strength and future of our nation lie in the hands of our youths. We must recognize that national security is a collective responsibility, and our youth have a vital role to play. By harnessing your talents, skills, and creativity, we can build a more robust and responsive security architecture that addresses the needs of our communities.
Our country is at a pivotal moment in its history, faced with challenges that demand innovative thinking and courageous solutions. The burden of crafting these solutions does not rest on the shoulders of a select few, but on the collective ingenuity and determination of all Nigerians, particularly our vibrant youths. Your role in shaping the destiny of our nation is very obvious. As the driving force behind our country’s growth, you must unleash your creativity, and harness your energy to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
As your President, who is very passionate about youth engagement and empowerment, I am fully committed to ensuring that the Federal Government of Nigeria supports your aspirations. Our administration is committed to creating opportunities for our youths and providing them with the needed support and resources to thrive as spelt out in the National Youth Development Policy Document. In recognition of your vital importance to our nation’s future, our administration has made substantial investments in youth empowerment programmes since we came on board. These initiatives are designed to address immediate needs while creating sustainable opportunities for education, sports, agriculture, entertainment, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship. We have introduced and expanded various programmes aimed at equipping you with the skills and resources needed to succeed in today’s competitive global landscape. These include the Students Loan Scheme, the Youth Investment Fund, and the National Social Investment Programme. These initiatives are tailored to equip you with the skills and resources needed to succeed in today’s competitive global landscape.
The Federal Government of Nigeria launched the National Talent Export Programme to create one million job opportunities, and by doing so, boost foreign exchange earnings through the export of skilled labour. In addition, we have launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, which is designed to facilitate access to student loans and enable aspiring scholars to pursue academic excellence without financial constraints. This initiative is a game-changer for our education sector and will ensure that no talented individual is left behind due to financial limitations. With NELFUND, we are bridging the gap in access to education and creating a level playing field for all. We are confident that this initiative will produce a crop of highly skilled and educated individuals who will drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Nigeria.
The Ministry of Youth Development under my leadership has introduced Copreneurship Programme, which offered start-up support to NYSC members. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among young graduates, empowering them to create sustainable livelihoods. It has also in addition established a Youth Help Desk to provide assistance and support to young individuals facing distress or legal challenges to serve as a vital resource for youth in need and offer guidance and intervention where necessary.
Moreover, we have prioritized the enhancement of our educational institutions because we understand that a well-educated youth is the bedrock of any prosperous nation. Through increased funding, curriculum reforms, and the promotion of digital literacy, we are laying a strong foundation for the Nigerian youths who are pillars of Nigeria’s social-political and economic development.
Our efforts go beyond providing opportunities; we are committed to ensuring that our youths are not merely beneficiaries of development but active participants in the governance of our nation. We are therefore deliberately promoting Youth inclusion in governance. Platforms such as this Summit are essential for amplifying your voices, hearing your ideas, and integrating your innovative solutions into our national policies.
However, we must acknowledge that none of these achievements would be possible without security as it is the bedrock upon which all development rests. Our administration has taken bold and strategic steps towards improving the security landscape of Nigeria, understanding that without peace, there can be no progress. We have strengthened our security apparatus, equipping the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies with the necessary tools, training, and technology to combat crime and terrorism effectively. This includes the annual recruitment of young Nigerians to boost the workforce of the police and provide meaningful jobs to them. Our efforts in intelligence gathering, community policing policies, and counter-terrorism have begun to yield positive results, and we remain committed to building on these successes. We recognize that security is a collective responsibility and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that our communities are safe and secure.
I am delighted to understand that this one-day summit will tackle critical issues that are vital to our nation’s stability and prosperity, including Youth Empowerment, National Security Intelligence, Crime Prevention, and Conflict Resolution. These topics are not just relevant; they are essential to building a secure and prosperous Nigeria. It is imperative that we equip our young people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a dynamic world. Empowered youth are not just the future; they are the present drivers of innovation and change. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the role of our youth in national security cannot be overstated. Enhancing their value in this domain is crucial to ensuring a safer, more secure Nigeria. By investing in our youth, we are investing in our nation’s future.
As we work to build a just society, crime prevention must be at the forefront of our efforts. Engaging the youth in this fight is crucial, as they are both the most affected by and the most capable of preventing crime in our communities. To this end, we must foster a culture of dialogue and understanding among our young people. Conflict resolutions skills imbue in our youth are essential for maintaining peace and unity in a diverse nation like ours.
To make the required progress, we need your active participation, your ideas, and your leadership. We need you to hold us accountable and to challenge us to do better. Together, we can build a nation that is not only prosperous but also a beacon of hope, a model of excellence, and a testament to the power of collective action. At this Summit today, I challenge each of you to think big, dream beyond boundaries, and act with purpose. Let this summit be the spark that ignites a wave of positive change across our nation. Let us work together to build a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed, contribute, and thrive.
At this juncture, I would like commend the Inspector-General of Police, IGP. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, P.Hd, NPM, for this visionary and exemplary initiative, which aligns with our administration’s focus on youth development and national security agenda. There is no better way to prove Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to engaging and empowering our youth other than an event of this nature. The commitment of our law enforcement agencies not just to maintaining law and order, but also promoting harmony and understanding within our communities, is truly worthy of recognition.
I will like to also appreciate all the delegates and participants who have come together to make this event a reality. Your dedication to the development and empowerment of our youth is no doubt an inspiration to us all.
In conclusion, I want to remind you the famous words of a Former First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, which states that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” As you progress with the Summit, I charge you, to take ownership of the process. Be the change-makers, the problem-solvers, and the leaders that Nigeria needs. When you finally depart the Summit, I urge you to take along with you, the knowledge that you have gained and the power
