Atiku: If elected, my administration will set aside $10bn for employment of youths, women

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says if elected, his administration will set aside $10 billion to provide employment for youths and women.

Speaking on Thursday at the PDP campaign rally in Kwara, the former vice-president said he will ensure that women and youths make a “decent” living through small and medium-scale enterprises.

“I want to also assure you that the youth unemployment which is all over the country is not only peculiar to Kwara state — it is all over the country. Most of you here are under the age of 30. Most of you here have no jobs. Most of you here have no businesses,” he said.

“In our programme, I have promised that I will set aside $10 billion to make sure that youths and women get employment.

“We will make sure that small and medium enterprises will empower you to make sure that you’re gainfully employed, so that you can earn a decent living.”

The PDP presidential candidate also expressed concern over attacks in parts of the country, adding that he will “restore security”.

“It is a total failure by APC in all its ramifications. We are not here to deceive you; we are not here to tell you lies. We are your parents. We want you to be like we are. We will ensure you attain your objectives — whatever may be your ambition,” he said.

In his remarks, Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the PDP, said the party will win in all six geo-political zones of the country.

“We will work with the people and rebuild Nigeria,” he said.

“The PDP is one big united family. We are on our way back to victory. PDP has come back to rescue Nigeria and put it back on the development track to rescue all families.

“Don’t allow anyone to deceive you. We are hungrier than we were in 2015. Bring out your voters card, come out en masse and vote all PDP candidates, especially Atiku, in the general election.”