By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has urged Nigerian young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to position themselves as global tech giants and disruptive innovators.
Hon. Abba Isa gave the charge while addressing participants at the International Youth Day Summit 2025, organized by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and its youth arm, the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE).
The summit brought together young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart a course for youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
According to the presidential aide, the Tinubu administration has introduced far-reaching reforms and initiatives that Nigerian youths can leverage to grow their startups into globally competitive brands.
The SSAP declared that: “The future of Africa belongs to Nigerian youths. Across the world today, we are witnessing young Nigerians who have risen to become global tech giants, founders of unicorn companies, and pioneers of FinTech and other disruptive startups transforming lives. These trailblazers show that Nigerian youths can achieve greatness, even in the face of challenges, when their energies are channeled into positive and productive ventures.”
He highlighted the administration’s strides in youth development, citing initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), renewed support for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, massive investments in the digital economy, and targeted empowerment schemes for innovators and startups. He described these interventions as “lifelines designed to equip our youths with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s global economy.”
Commending NACCIMA and NYE for creating a platform that puts young people at the center of the conversation, Hon. Abba Isa reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
“For youths with special needs, I want to say this clearly: your dreams are valid, your voices matter, and your contributions are critical to nation-building,” he said. “The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes the potential of all Nigerian youths, regardless of ability or circumstance, and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all.”
He urged the youth to embrace courage and determination in seizing opportunities, while shunning distractions and social vices.
“Focus on the positives in our national development journey, and let those positives drive you toward building sustainable businesses and creating jobs,” he advised. “Remain patriotic, remain loyal, and remain good ambassadors of our beloved country, Nigeria.”
Concluding, the SSA challenged Nigerian youths to unite in purpose and innovation: “You are the leaders of tomorrow, but even more importantly, you are also the leaders of today. Nigeria is counting on you to be good ambassadors at home and abroad. Let us build a nation where no one is left behind.”
