By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, saying that it will create opportunities and avenues for young people to take active part in decision-making process that will take the country to the next level.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, who disclosed this at the maiden Ramadan Lecture and Iftar programme, put together under the auspices of the Rinsola Abiola Foundation, in Abeokuta, charged young Nigerians to take active role in leadership and civic engagement.

Speaking on the recently constituted National Youth Conference committee, she described it as proof of the President’s dedication to engaging young Nigerians in governance and policy-making.

Speaking on the inclusivity of the conference committee, Abiola stated that it comprises representatives from civil society organisations and individuals and opinion leaders who are not affiliated with the ruling party.

She assured young Nigerians that grassroots consultations were being planned to ensure that their voices were well captured during the conference.

“We understand the challenges facing the youth and are working to protect their interests.

“For the very first time, we have a truly young youth minister prioritising issues that concern young people. We are also working on the Student Loan Fund, which will help ensure a level playing field for all,” she said.

She reassured young Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is listening to their concerns and making deliberate efforts to create opportunities for them.

“I ask you to keep faith with this administration and trust that, as youth representatives serving within it, we are not unmindful of young people’s agitations.

“We have a president who is himself youth-friendly and understands all too well the need to empower young people,” Abiola added.

She encouraged youths to remain engaged, participate actively in ongoing government initiatives, and trust that the administration is dedicated to addressing their needs.

She said, “leadership is not just about titles or political positions; it is about service. Every young person here today has the capacity to influence their community positively.”

“We must begin to see ourselves as problem-solvers and agents of change,” she stated

Speaking on the foundation, she said “the Rinsola Abiola Foundation was established in 2019 as a social impact-driven non-profit organization, primarily for Ogun State. It is the platform through which I support causes that matter to me in our dear state, such as women’s empowerment and youth development.”

“We have so far impacted hundreds of Ogun state indigenes and residents through business grants and scholarships, and while today’s engagement would be the first religion-themed program, it is taking place as part of efforts to foster community and develop our youth.” 

In his lecture titled “Islamic Perspectives on Youth Development and Leadership,” the Imam of Gbaguraland, Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, charged Nigerian youths to equip themselves with relevant skills to prepare for leadership roles.

Balogun, who was represented by Imam Mudashir Abdulrasheed, stressed the need for youth empowerment to enable young Nigerians to contribute positively to nation-building.