The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved a substantial N10 billion Youth Development Fund aimed at empowering youths within the FCT. This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to fostering youth development and providing opportunities for young people in the region.
Wike made this significant announcement during the inauguration of the upgrading of the War College/Army Checkpoint Road, along with other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, on Monday. This event highlighted the government's efforts to improve infrastructure while also focusing on youth empowerment initiatives.
During his speech, Wike indicated that the youth empowerment programme is scheduled to be inaugurated on Thursday, further emphasizing that this initiative aligns with the current administration’s broader youth empowerment policy. The minister expressed that the programme is a vital step towards equipping young people with the skills and resources necessary for their development and success.
Wike attributed this positive move to President Tinubu's prioritization of women and youth, stating, “It was Mr President who created the Women Affairs Secretariat and the Youth Development Secretariat, and appointed a youth to head the youth secretariat.” He highlighted that such initiatives have never occurred in the history of the FCT, illustrating the unique focus of the current administration on youth issues.
Furthermore, Wike remarked that the president's insistence on establishing a Youth Development Fund was a crucial step towards supporting the growth and empowerment of the youth in the region. “Mr President has approved, for a start, N10bn to see how the youth will be empowered,” he explained, emphasizing the administration's serious commitment to facilitating positive change for young individuals.
The minister also revealed that the allocated amount has already been incorporated into the FCT’s supplementary budget, ensuring that the funds are readily available for the intended initiatives. He urged residents, especially the youth, to continue supporting the Tinubu-led administration, expressing optimism that these efforts will lead to significant improvements in their lives and opportunities.
“We are happy there are signs that things will get better,” he added, reinforcing his belief in the positive impact of the government's initiatives on the community's youth.
In related news, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in July, President Tinubu had already approved the creation of youth development secretariats and appointed Abdullahi Ango as its pioneer Mandate Secretary in August, marking another step towards a more focused approach on youth matters within the administration.