Dr John Suberu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency in Kogi State, has pledged to expand NYSC post-service grants and introduce structured job-matching programmes aimed at easing the transition of young graduates into the workforce.
Suberu made this commitment on Saturday in Abuja during a dinner organised to unveil his manifesto, placing youth-focused economic support at the centre of his legislative agenda.
He explained that the current gap between graduation, national service and employment remains a major challenge for many Nigerian youths, stressing that targeted post-service support could significantly reduce unemployment and underemployment.
According to him, expanding NYSC post-service grants would provide young Nigerians with immediate financial backing to either start small businesses or stabilise themselves while seeking employment.
“Engaging in people oriented policies that directly improves livelihoods, education and economic opportunities will be my top priority,” he said.
Suberu added that beyond grants, a structured job-matching system would be introduced to connect graduates with employers across both public and private sectors, ensuring that skills acquired during education and service year are not wasted.
He noted that the initiative would be backed by legislative action, including a proposed Youth Empowerment and Digital Skills Bill designed to strengthen ICT capacity, entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.
The aspirant said the combination of financial support and employment linkage would create a more sustainable pathway for graduates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“My vision is to transform Okehi/Adavi into a hub of safety, growth and inclusive development, while attracting projects that leverage the area’s comparative advantage,” he said.
As part of this broader plan, Suberu pledged to facilitate annual skills acquisition programmes within the constituency, targeting youths and indigent residents who lack access to formal employment opportunities.
He also disclosed plans to establish a youth business support fund to help beneficiaries of the proposed NYSC grant expansion and other young entrepreneurs scale their ideas into viable enterprises.
In addressing security concerns, Suberu said improving safety across communities would remain critical to attracting investment and creating job opportunities for young people.
He emphasised that economic empowerment and security are closely linked, noting that reducing youth unemployment could help curb crime and social instability.
The aspirant unveiled a four-pillar manifesto anchored on youth empowerment and skills development; education, human capital and women’s development; healthcare and social welfare; and legislative interventions for sustainable growth.
He said education would play a key role in supporting the post-service grant initiative, promising scholarship schemes for indigent but talented students and improved learning infrastructure.
“I intend to provide scholarship schemes for brilliant but indigent students, attract federal grants for upgrading schools with ICT labs, books and learning materials,” he said.
Suberu also pledged to promote inclusive policies that support women and vulnerable groups, including a proposed Women Economic Empowerment Act to improve access to loans, training and leadership opportunities.
“Support girl child education and campaign against early marriage and gender based violence,” he added.
On healthcare, he said he would advocate for universal primary healthcare coverage and improved access to free maternal and child health services, particularly in underserved communities.
He further promised to establish a constituency welfare support desk to cater for widows, the elderly and other vulnerable groups, ensuring that social protection measures are strengthened alongside economic initiatives.
“When elected, I will sponsor and support bills that will bring sustainable development,” he said.
In his keynote address, Dr Ogaba Kings, Deputy Director at the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), described Suberu as “a prodigy of accountability” who has demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing his constituency.
“These challenges require not just representation but effective collaboration and communication that help to build sustainable structures that endure,” Kings said.
He noted that the aspirant’s focus on youth empowerment, economic growth and transparent governance aligns with the urgent needs of the constituency.
Similarly, Hajiya Salamatu Mamman, former Secretary to the PCC, commended Suberu’s preparedness for leadership, citing his administrative experience and track record in public service.
She described him as “result-oriented, with a proven track record of solving problems regardless of social dynamics,” adding that he possesses the resilience required for effective representation.
Suberu previously served as Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo on Road Safety Matters and as Senior Special Assistant to the Secretary of the PCC on Special Duties.
He also held roles as North Central Regional Coordinator of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety, Chairman of the APC National Youth Network, and National Coordinator of Diaspora Support for APC (North America).
