President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration’s economic policies will reverse the “japa” trend, encouraging professionals who left the country for better opportunities to return.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that his government’s reforms aim to create prosperity, particularly for the youth, who make up over 60% of the population.
“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” Tinubu stated.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared details of the meeting in a statement titled “Nigerian Professionals Will Return As Economy Improves, President Tinubu Assures at Inauguration of National Youth Confab Planning Committee.”
Economic Reforms and Youth Empowerment
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing a brighter future for young Nigerians, citing the removal of fuel subsidies as a necessary step to protect their long-term prospects.
“We have cleared the path for you to have a great future,” he said.
The 44-member implementation committee, chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya, has been tasked with translating the conference’s recommendations into actionable policies.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” Tinubu told the committee.
Economic Progress and Investor Confidence
Tinubu highlighted the progress of his economic reforms, acknowledging initial difficulties but insisting that the country is now on the path to recovery.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well. But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing,” he said.
Youth Inclusion in Governance
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, praised the President for prioritizing youth participation in governance. He pointed to initiatives such as the student loan scheme and infrastructure projects as efforts to create better opportunities for young Nigerians.
Committee member Samson Itodo described the youth conference as a crucial platform for addressing key national issues, including political governance, economic transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, energy transition, and security.
The committee’s implementation process will include virtual consultations, regional town hall meetings, and a final congress in Abuja.
Monday’s inauguration follows Tinubu’s Independence Day announcement of a 30-day national youth conference aimed at tackling pressing issues affecting Nigeria’s young population.
