The Federal Government has restated its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and creative industries as part of ongoing national development efforts.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this known in Abuja on Monday during a press conference ahead of the 2025 National Youth Day scheduled to commence on November 27, 2025.
Olawande, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, said the youth day will bring together young people from across Nigeria to share ideas and inspire action toward sustainable national progress.
He said, “It is a timely reminder that the future of Africa lies in the hands of our youth, a generation that is more connected, more informed, and more capable than ever. As we stand at the crossroads of economic transformation, technological advancement, and cultural renaissance, our youth are not just participants in change, they are the actual drivers.”
The minister emphasized the importance of digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and education as tools to build a sustainable future for young Nigerians. He added that the government remains focused on policies that encourage technology adoption, startup growth, and skill acquisition to prepare the youth for a competitive global economy.
“As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to youth empowerment through investments in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and civic engagement. We are working hand-in-hand with regional partners and international stakeholders to ensure that our youth have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive,” he said.
Olawande also called on private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society organizations to play a more active role in supporting youth-led initiatives. “Let me also use this opportunity to call on private sector leaders, development agencies, and civil society to intensify their support for youth-led initiatives. The time has come for a truly Pan-African youth agenda one that transcends borders and leverages our shared aspirations,” he added.
The National Youth Festival in Nigeria will feature the National Youth Conference 2025, a fully funded initiative by the Federal Government to empower young Nigerians. The conference aims to create a platform for young leaders, innovators, and change-makers to engage in dialogue, network, and contribute to shaping Nigeria’s development agenda.
Designed to be inclusive and non-partisan, the event will ensure a 50:50 gender balance and participation of persons with disabilities. About 1,000 delegates will be selected from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with expenses covered for transportation, accommodation, and meals.
The conference will focus on key areas such as governance and political participation, entrepreneurship and job creation, climate action and energy transition, education and skills, technology and digital innovation, and security and social cohesion.
The final recommendations from the conference will be presented to the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for adoption and implementation, with the aim of producing practical outcomes that will shape Nigeria’s youth development and national policies.