Susan Abayomi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the importance of investing in young Nigerians, describing their talents, creativity and resilience as critical drivers of the country’s economic growth and future prosperity.
Tinubu made the remarks during the foundation-laying ceremony of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Centre for Youth Empowerment and Intercultural Dialogue at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, held as part of activities marking the institution’s 65th anniversary.
The president, who was represented by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said Nigeria’s youthful population presents significant opportunities for economic development, technological innovation and global competitiveness.
He explained that the centre would provide a platform for young people to acquire relevant skills, develop innovative ideas, establish businesses and build partnerships with industry players and international organisations.
According to Tinubu, empowering young Nigerians with the right knowledge, opportunities and resources is essential to transforming the country’s demographic advantage into productive contributions to national development.
He stressed that young people should not only be prepared to seek employment but also equipped to create jobs, develop homegrown solutions and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
The president described the project as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, noting that its success would depend on its ability to create opportunities, develop talent and improve the lives of young people.
He also called for collaboration among universities, the private sector, investors and development institutions to ensure that training and skills acquisition translate into meaningful economic opportunities.
Tinubu further emphasised the importance of intercultural dialogue, urging the university community to ensure that the centre promotes mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among young Nigerians from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
He expressed optimism that the facility would become a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development and international cooperation, helping to prepare a generation of confident and responsible leaders.
In a related address, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, said the centre would contribute to youth empowerment, engagement and inclusion, which she described as important components of the president’s development agenda.
The establishment of the centre forms part of broader discussions on the role of education, skills development and entrepreneurship in harnessing Nigeria’s youthful population for sustainable economic growth.
As construction progresses, the project is expected to provide a platform for young Nigerians to develop their abilities, connect with potential partners and explore opportunities that can contribute to national development.
