Bukola Afeni
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has emphasized that investing in young people is a crucial economic strategy for Nigeria, not merely a social initiative.
Olawande, who was represented by Dr. Obinna Ebirim, the Senior Technical Advisor, made the disclosure at the GEM Leadership Conference in Abuja.
The program was organised by Gemhub Initiative, a youth-focused non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the
potential of young people .
He said unlocking youth potential must be done deliberately through leadership, policy, investment, and systems that include young people as co-creators rather than passive beneficiaries.
He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population provides a major human-capital advantage but warned that the potential can become a burden if not properly harnessed.
“A youthful population does not guarantee progress; it only creates potential. If we fail to harness the demographic advantage, it becomes a curse. But if we rise to the moment, we do not just grow, we will leap and soar.”
With the theme “Unlocking Youth Potential for Economic Growth and Innovation,” the Minister said youth development remains central to shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
Olawande stressed that youth naturally excel in areas driving global economic transformation, including digital technology, innovation, creativity, renewable energy, agritech, and digital media.
He noted that major innovations in Nigeria and globally, including fintech, edtech, digital media, entertainment, renewable energy, waste recycling, and agritech, are youth-led.
“When young people thrive, SMEs grow, value chains expand, cities become more productive, and the nation becomes globally competitive,” he added.
He commended Gemhub Initiative for organizing the leadership conference, adding that economic transformation is driven by skills, creativity, digital intelligence, innovation, speed, and entrepreneurial energy , and areas where Nigerian youth naturally excel.
The Minister outlined key shifts needed for youth development, including working with young people in policymaking.
“We need to link skills to income opportunities, integrating programmes into ecosystems, strengthening partnerships with private and public institutions, and building sustainable systems instead of relying on slogans.
He highlighted several ongoing government initiatives, including the Nigerian Youth Academy, which offers digital skills training, job matching, freelance opportunities, a digital community, and support for youth-led startups.
He also mentioned the Youth Green Houses, which provide solar-powered innovation hubs.
Olawande also referenced the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk, which has handled thousands of youth-related cases, and the Youth Health Initiative focused on mental health, drug abuse, and general youth wellness.
He urged young people to embrace learning, digital skills, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and healthy living, noting that the future belongs to prepared youth.
The Executive Director of Gemhub Initiative, Oyeyemi Pitan, noted that the organisation is committed to equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.
She described GEM Leadership Conference, as a “dream come true” and a platform designed to bridge the gap between Nigeria’s educational system and industry needs.
Pitan explained that the conference was convened to bring industry experts, thought leaders, and government officials together to discuss the gaps in youth development and explore practical solutions.
She noted that employers continue to express concerns about graduates’ readiness for the workplace, stressing the need for industry inputs in shaping educational curricula.
According to her, the ideas and recommendations emerging from the conference will be documented and presented to key stakeholders to drive real policy and structural change.
“The outcomes will guide all our Initiative activities next year, and we will engage stakeholders strategically and systematically to implement the ideas.”
Speaking on the proposed Youth Compact, she said Gemhub Initiative fully supports it, noting that young people who make up more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s population must be involved in policies and programmes that affect them.
She emphasized that young people are not a homogenous group, and must be engaged across all segments, including those in rural communities, urban centres, slums, and artisans.
“We believe in the power of youth. With full understanding and participation, young people will be able to drive the implementation of the compact. Inclusion is key, and every category of young people must be brought on board.”
A board member of GEM Hub Initiative, Folashade Okusanya, also called for stronger support from government, the education sector, and workplaces to enable young Nigerians to maximise their potential.
She urged government agencies to provide an enabling environment that allows young people to pursue their aspirations, stressing that the current system must evolve to meet the demands of the modern economy.
According to her, the educational sector must also move beyond theoretical learning by equipping students with practical, future-oriented skills.
Okusanya disclosed that early exposure to digital and income-generating skills is essential in preparing children and teenagers for the future, especially in a world where access to a mobile phone can already serve as a source of income and creativity.
She reiterated GEM Hub Initiative’s commitment to empowering young people through capacity-building programmes, innovation-driven learning, and opportunities for personal and economic growth.
The Evaluation Officer at Gemhub Initiative, Evelyn Iorbo, disclosed that there is a very big skill gap that can be closed by entrepreneurship, internships, and apprenticeship.
“Am urging young people like me to deviate from get-rich-quick syndrome. We should learn to be patient and develop skills that will be relevant for life.”
