President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), a platform designed to equip young Nigerians with essential skills and leadership training for national development.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated that the academy would focus on skills development, employment, leadership, and civic engagement. He emphasized that training would cover digital literacy, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries to prepare young Nigerians for the global stage.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing initiatives such as the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, which provide financial support, mentorship, and resources for young entrepreneurs.
“The establishment of the National Youth Development Bank will ensure access to the capital needed to turn ideas into thriving businesses,” Tinubu said.
He noted that with Nigeria’s median age at 17, the country has one of the youngest populations in the world, which presents both opportunities and challenges.
“This academy is our bold response to this reality. Over the next two years, NIYA will train and empower millions of young Nigerians, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to compete globally. This is not just an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of our nation,” he added.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the academy as a key part of the administration’s transformative initiatives aimed at youth development. He assured that the finance ministry would support programs like NIYA that promote service exports and tackle unemployment.
“We will continue to work with the Ministry of Youth Development and other partners to ensure that this platform succeeds and integrates into the national economic strategy,” Edun said.
Also speaking, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the academy’s role in training, connecting, and empowering young people with skills for entrepreneurship.
“This initiative is for every Nigerian youth and is free. NIYA represents the President’s determination to help young people build their future, create opportunities for themselves, and support their families,” he stated.
A key moment at the launch was the presentation of N1 million start-up grants to six youths, one from each geopolitical zone.
(NAN)