President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism that the ongoing economic reforms and strategic policies will reverse the trend of human capital flight from Nigeria. He made this assertion on Monday while inaugurating the Planning Committee for the forthcoming National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja.
The President noted that the economic transformation agenda of his administration is strategically designed to boost prosperity, particularly for Nigerian youths, who make up over 60 percent of the nation’s population. He emphasized that by improving the economy, implementing bottom-up policies, and fostering a collective sense of ownership, the nation can curb the mass migration of skilled professionals.
Addressing the 44-member planning committee, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to securing a brighter future for young Nigerians, stressing that every decision made since the inception of his administration has been with their welfare in mind.
“I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you,” President Tinubu stated. “Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future. When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to have a great future.”
The President acknowledged that many Nigerian professionals who have left the country did so due to economic challenges. He, however, expressed confidence that as prosperity returns and citizens are empowered, the trend will be reversed.
“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he remarked.
President Tinubu charged the committee to seize the opportunity to shape a prosperous future for the nation, assuring them that the government would implement the outcomes of their deliberations. He encouraged the youth to be forthright and sincere in their recommendations, stressing that the administration is ready to listen and act.
“You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” he said. “Just look me in the face and tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way forward. Be frank. We will implement your suggestions so long as they are for the country’s prosperity.”
The President further highlighted that recent economic indicators have shown positive changes, including falling prices of essential commodities and the stabilization of the exchange rate, signaling a turnaround in the nation’s economic outlook.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to youth development. He lauded the administration’s initiatives, including the student loan scheme that has benefited over 260,000 students, and the ongoing renovation of critical infrastructure like the Third Mainland Bridge.
“We appreciate your futuristic vision and the efforts to clear the passport backlog, which directly impacts our mobility and global opportunities,” the minister added.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Samson Itodo commended the President for his visionary leadership in involving youths in governance. He noted that the National Youth Conference would be a milestone in addressing critical issues such as political governance, economic transformation, technological skills for the future, climate change adaptation, energy transition, and social cohesion.
Itodo outlined that the committee’s framework would include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and a grand congress in Abuja to ensure comprehensive youth engagement.
The National Youth Conference is expected to serve as a platform for youth leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to chart a roadmap for sustainable development and national unity.
