…Advocates for Nation-Building at Home

By Mohammed Yusuf Ajiji

A group, the North Agenda for Tinubu, has criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, for allegedly encouraging Nigeria’s brightest minds to seek opportunities abroad instead of helping develop their homeland.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Yusuf Ajiji, the group expressed disappointment, urging Obi to support creating favorable conditions for youths within Nigeria rather than encouraging them to emigrate.

“The North Agenda for Tinubu finds it inconceivable that Peter Obi would advocate for our best talents to leave Nigeria, especially at a time when the nation is poised for transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

Ajiji added that Nigeria’s potential for growth lies in its youth, whose talents and energy can drive sustainable development across essential sectors like healthcare, technology, and education. He stated, “Africa—and Nigeria in particular—has suffered deeply from the exodus of our best and brightest.”

The group highlighted initiatives under Tinubu’s administration aimed at empowering youths, such as the Education Loan Fund, the 3 Million Technical Talent Program, and the National Youth Talent Export Programme. The programs seek to address the brain drain by providing domestic job opportunities and skill development in fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and software development.

Ajiji further emphasized that President Tinubu’s recent appointments of young leaders to key ministries and agencies underscore his commitment to harnessing youth potential. “The President’s vision is to implement reforms so Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute to national progress,” he said.

The statement concluded by urging Nigerian youth to reject calls for “Japa” (migration) and instead join in building a nation where they can excel, directly impact policies, and drive industries that promote economic growth and social stability for future generations.