The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing issues inherited from his predecessors, while introducing new policies aimed at moving Nigeria forward.
Speaking during a one day interactive session on Nigeria @60, with the theme “Moving Nigeria forward: A national conversation”, the National Public Relations Officer of NYCN, Comrade Dotun Omoleye, said, historically, each administration has been constitutionally mandated to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, defend its honor, and uplift its citizens.
He said, however, the challenge of political leaders has always been how to maintain hope and ensure the well-being of all Nigerians.
He said: “The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) was established in 1964 as a unified platform representing the interests and aspirations of Nigerian youth. Since its inception, NYCN has played a pivotal role in advocating for youth development, nation-building, and active participation in national discourse.
“With a history spanning over five decades, the Council has remained at the forefront of youth mobilization, policy advocacy, and constructive engagement with the government. It has contributed significantly to discussions on education, employment, and national development through its collaborations with various governmental and non-governmental organizations.
“As we commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, it is essential to reflect on the contributions of NYCN and other youth-led organizations in shaping the country’s socio-political landscape. From the post-colonial era through to modern times, the vision of “Moving Nigeria Forward” has been a recurring theme for every administration, whether civilian or military.
“This concept has remained central to Nigeria’s growth and development, with every government striving to leave its mark through impactful policies and programs.
“This year’s Independence Anniversary offers yet another opportunity for a national conversation on how to move Nigeria forward. The theme seeks to explore the country’s development trajectory, focusing on the policies and programs driving this movement.
“Historically, each administration has been constitutionally mandated to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, defend its honor, and uplift its citizens. However, the challenge has always been how to maintain hope and ensure the well-being of all Nigerians.”
He added: “The discourse will delve into critical sectors such as social and economic infrastructure, education, security, youth development, technology, health, energy, and more. In the face of limited resources and a competitive global economy, addressing these areas requires innovative policies, effective implementation, and sometimes legislative reforms.
“The conversation will also evaluate the efforts of the present Tinubu-led administration in addressing these development challenges. Every government inherits both assets and liabilities, and the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing inherited issues while introducing new policies aimed at moving Nigeria forward.
“Through the instrumentality of state organs and institutions, progress is being made. Solutions are being crafted and implemented in various sectors to tackle Nigeria’s most pressing problems. This dialogue will shine a spotlight on these efforts, reviewing their impact and charting the way forward.
“Government appointees, youth leaders, and private sector representatives will participate in this forum, sharing insights into the policies and initiatives shaping the nation’s future.
“The conversation is a reminder that government is a continuum and that every administration must navigate the nation’s challenges while building on the achievements of its predecessors.
“This is an ongoing journey, and the Tinubu administration is steering the nation towards calmer waters, with a clear focus on progress and development.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Together, we must take collective action to move Nigeria forward. When Nigeria works, it works for everyone.”
Speaking earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a youth-friendly president, appointed many youth in his government to champion the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said NASENI has introduced many innovative ideas to give youths employment opportunities and has carried out over 80 internal and external trainings for Nigerians, more than other agencies of government.
Blueprint reports that the one-day interactive session was attended by many public affairs analysts, activists, youths leaders and political office holders, including the Minister of State for Youth, Hon. Ayodele Olawande.
Other attendees include the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, the Mandate Secretary of FCT Youth Development, Comrade Suleiman Ango Abdullahi, Founder of the Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation (SIAF), Segun Awosanya (Segalink), among others.
