As Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day, the Federal Government and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council have urged young Nigerians to take decisive steps in nation-building and grassroots development.
Speaking at the Abuja event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, emphasised that with over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population being youths, their active involvement is crucial to the country’s socio-economic transformation.
“Youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the drivers of today. Their creativity, energy, and innovation are the raw materials for building a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria,” Abba Isa said.
He noted that the Tinubu administration has placed youth empowerment at the core of its Renewed Hope Agenda, citing initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), entrepreneurship support programmes, digital skills training, and various empowerment schemes.
NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to amplifying youth voices and promoting their initiatives. She stressed that young people should be recognised not merely as policy beneficiaries, but as active participants in shaping solutions to national challenges.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Youth Organization (NYO), Comrade Okorie Okorie, described Nigerian youths as the “dynamic force” shaping the country’s present and future, urging them to channel their talents toward unity and progress.
This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, was described by speakers as a timely call to transform global goals into practical solutions at the community level. The event brought together youth delegates from across the country to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and champion inclusive policies for sustainable development.
