By Lanre Oloyede
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has reiterated that youth empowerment is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion at a dinner organized by the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) in Abuja to mark the day, Hon. Abba Isa stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has placed youth development at the heart of its Renewed Hope Agenda, recognising that without empowering young people, there can be no sustainable progress towards the SDGs or a future that works for all.
Delivering his keynote address on the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, Abba Isa described it as “timely and relevant,” noting that the SDGs are not abstract ideals but practical targets requiring local action, innovation, and commitment.
“With over 70% of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, our youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the drivers of today,” he said. “Their creativity, energy, and innovation are the raw materials for building a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.”
He highlighted President Tinubu’s inclusive approach to youth development, particularly for young persons with disabilities, who now enjoy expanded access to education, jobs, and leadership opportunities through government policies.
Abba Isa also listed several initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at empowering youths, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), targeted empowerment programmes under the Ministry of Youth Development, digital skills training, entrepreneurial funding, and vocational development.
“These policies reflect our commitment to achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth),” he said. “I urge Nigerian youths to take advantage of the opportunities available—whether in education, agriculture, technology, or entrepreneurship—and channel their energy into innovation and productivity rather than social vices.”
He further encouraged youths to prepare for active participation in the 2027 general elections by securing their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to “vote for progress, stability, and the continued transformation of our country.”
On behalf of the Presidency, he commended the Nigeria Youth Organisation for championing the voice of young Nigerians and contributing to national development.
In his welcome address, NYO National Executive President, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, praised Nigerian youths for their resilience and contributions in education, entrepreneurship, technology, arts, and civic activism, describing them as “true agents of positive change.”
Okorie applauded President Tinubu for honouring the Super Falcons and D’Tigress following their recent international victories, noting that the conferment of national honours on the teams underscored the President’s belief in rewarding excellence. He also commended the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande Emmanuel, for his dedication to creating opportunities for youth skills acquisition, employment, and governance participation.
“As we commemorate this year’s International Youth Day,” Okorie said, “we must recognize that the SDGs challenge us to think globally but act locally. Our youths hold the key to translating this vision into tangible progress.”
Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and supporting their development initiatives. She urged journalists to continue spotlighting youth achievements while advocating policies that promote inclusion, innovation, and leadership.
The 2025 International Youth Day celebration served as a platform to renew calls for collaboration among government, civil society, and young Nigerians in building an inclusive, innovative, and peaceful nation.
