By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu said he removed fuel subsidy to protect the future of the unborn generation.
Tinubu stated this yesterday during the inauguration of the National Youth Congress Planning Committee at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, in Abuja.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, declaring that the government policies are designed to secure a prosperous future.
He said, “I’ve listened to you carefully. Today is not for long speeches. I just want to reassure you that you are the hope of the country. Everything hangs on your future. Every decision that I’ve made is all about tomorrow.
“When you remove oil subsidy, you’re protecting the future of generations yet unborn, the youth. Where’s the investment for the infrastructure? When you listen to most professionals talking about Japa leaving Nigeria, it’s because if you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother to go, and they will stay home. This is your home to develop, build, and make prosper.
“Government of the day is all about you; take it very seriously. You can abuse politicians you like, but politics concerns the development and the future generation. I’m glad you are all here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow, and the day after. I’m with you.”
Tinubu said things looked difficult when his administration started, but he has been able to weather the storm.
He said, “When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We tried hard and were fetching water from a dry well, but today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking in, and technology is advancing. You have the opportunity.
“I’ve listened to your spokesperson’s remark. You have an excellent opportunity to advance the development of this country, and it’s all in your hands. Mine is to help navigate, push, and lift the heavy-weight problems so I can clear the path for you to have a great future, but it’s in your hands.
“Look at me in the face, tell me whatever you think is wrong and how you want things done or suggestions. We’ll implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country.
“Mine is to assure you that we’ll do everything possible to make Nigeria a better place for you, but we can’t do it alone. You represent over 60 percent of our population and our nation’s heartbeat, and I hope you take this opportunity very seriously.
“I am with you, I repeat. I, therefore, inaugurate the committee. I wish you a very successful, interesting period. Let’s employ technology in every way possible, look at our farming conditions, hear what we can do to empower youths in their firm spirit, and work for this country’s food sovereignty.
“I like you. I can’t be young again, maybe in the next life, and I envy all of you.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the confab will be convoked to promote youth engagement.
Olawande noted that President Tinubu’s administration is a listening government that is ready to be attentive and incorporate the ideas and contributions of young people into governance.
He said that the members were carefully selected, as representatives were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Finance, other related Federal Ministries, Civil Society Organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the World Bank, among many others.
He said they are to champion and plan for the conference that will impact the lives of the youths of Nigeria.
The Minister said, “The government aims to create opportunities for the youth and is focused on addressing their concerns.
He urged Nigerian youths to utilize the youth confab to contribute to developmental policies.
Samson Itodo, a lead youth confab planning committee member and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to recognising the youth.
“I would use this opportunity to appreciate the recognition of youths by the President.”
He outlined that the 30-day National Youth Confab will be segmented into virtual consultations and regional meetings, and the last week of it will engage youths at the Abuja conference.
Itodo urged the government to keep the confab wholly insulated from politics.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu, during his 2024 Independence Day broadcast, announced the plan for a 30-day national youth conference to address critical issues facing the country’s youth, including unemployment, education, and political participation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development will chair the Committee.
Among those inaugurated are Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission Asuquo Ekpeyong, Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, Hauwa Nana Ibrahim, Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe, Uchechukwu George Egbe, and Samson Itodo, among many others.
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, and non-governmental organizations are also represented in the planning committee.
Present at the inauguration were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom; the Spokespersons to the President, Mr. Sunday Dare and Mr. Bayo Onanuga, and the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tunde Rahman.
