The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s youth empowerment initiatives are driven by a genuine desire to expand opportunities for young Nigerians and not by partisan political interests.
Idris made the statement on Tuesday night in Abuja during an interactive session with youths drawn from the APC Youth Wing and tertiary institutions across the Federal Capital Territory. The event took place at The Nest Resource Centre, Abuja, and featured open and candid conversations between government officials and young people. The session was moderated by the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel.
According to the Minister, programmes targeted at young Nigerians under the Tinubu administration are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and impactful, regardless of political background or affiliation. He stressed that the focus of government initiatives is national development and youth advancement.
“NELFUND is for Nigerians; it is not for APC. The 3MTT is for Nigerians; it is not for APC,” Idris said. “Everything the President is doing is about restoring prosperity, dignity, and renewing hope, so that young people can fulfil their potential and believe again in their country.”
He disclosed that recent data shows that more than 788,000 students are currently benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He added that over ₦250 billion has been committed to tuition support and student upkeep across tertiary institutions nationwide, making education more accessible to young people from different backgrounds.
The Minister also spoke about the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, describing it as a major digital skills initiative of the administration. The programme, launched by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy on behalf of President Tinubu, is aimed at training three million Nigerians in high-demand technical and digital skills to improve employability and global competitiveness.
“What excites me most is that even those who say these programmes are not real are enrolling, including people from other political parties,” he noted. “That tells you these initiatives are working and reaching Nigerians as intended.”
Idris described the Tinubu administration as one that would be remembered as the most youth-friendly in Nigeria’s history. He pointed to the scale of empowerment programmes and the deliberate appointment of young Nigerians into strategic leadership positions across government.
“Young people must begin by trusting this administration,” he said. “This is a government that has invested heavily in your future and continues to listen, engage, and create opportunities.”
Speaking on the economy, the Minister said the President’s reforms are beginning to show positive results. He noted that food prices are gradually reducing and that inflation is on a downward trend.
“Inflation is coming down,” Idris said. “The President projected a drop to 15 per cent, and today we are already at 14.45 percent. These are not coincidences; they are results of deliberate policy choices.”
He also highlighted Nigeria’s recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a milestone that will strengthen the financial system, boost investor confidence, and improve access to global financial markets.
Idris urged young Nigerians to continue supporting the administration and to use social media responsibly by sharing verified information and countering misinformation.
“Social media is a powerful tool for development, but it can also be used to harm society,” he said. “If you are not sure a piece of information is accurate, please don’t share it. Verify first.”
He reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains focused on youth empowerment, inclusion, and national renewal, adding that the future being built by the administration belongs to all Nigerians.
