The Nation

Buhari to youth: You’re the driving force in economic development

May 10, 2023 8:29 am

PRESIDENT BUHARI TOWN HALL MEETING WITH YOUTHS AA. President Muhammadu Buhari during a town hall with a cross-section of Nigerian youths held at the State House Conference Centre Friday Night in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 1 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari says the youths have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they possess the capacity to contribute to the development of their communities.

Speaking at the commonwealth youth and students summit in Abuja on Tuesday, the president said his administration has heavily invested in youth development and has empowered them with formidable platforms through which they can cultivate their leadership skills.

According to Femi Adesina, the president’s spokesperson, Buhari was represented at the event by Ibrahim Gambari, his chief of staff.

Buhari said Nigeria, as a member of the Commonwealth, will continuously create an enabling environment for young people to blossom and reach their potential, adding that the youth are the driving force in the socio-economic development of their societies.

‘‘I am very optimistic that with the breed of young people gathered here, actionable policy decisions that will further enhance development and productivity of the youth will be reached for the heads of government of the commonwealth to implement to further better the lots of young people of the commonwealth,’’ he said.

‘‘The digital revolution is clearly upon us with the young ones leading the way in ICT, robotics, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and the likes. Investments in building a digital economy must proceed along with investment in the ideas, skills and enterprise of our youth.

‘‘Nigeria is committed to the actualisation of the core values of the commonwealth and firmly believes in the power of the youth as the driving force, in making a difference in the socio-economic development of their societies.

‘‘It is, therefore, a welcome development that this summit has brought together young people from various socio-cultural and political backgrounds to further strengthen youth engagement and their full involvement in decision-making on issues that concern them, particularly in the areas of education, job creation, entrepreneurship, and digital economy.’’