05/10/2025
Youth: The Driving Force of Any Nation- President Tinubu
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, today engaged in two significant events that underscore the Ministry’s commitment to empowering young people and advancing global youth partnerships.
Earlier in the day, the Minister met with H.E. Saad Fahad Almarri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, in Abuja. Discussions focused on strengthening youth collaboration and exploring opportunities for partnership between both nations. Comrade Olawande expressed optimism that such collaboration will open new doors for innovation, cultural exchange, and empowerment, further deepening Nigeria–Saudi relations.
Later, the Minister joined the opening ceremony of the Youth Creative Conference 2025, convened by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with the African Union (AU). Themed “Silencing the Guns: Tomorrow is Now”, the conference brought together young visionaries, policymakers, and international partners to harness creativity and innovation for peace and stability across Africa.
In his goodwill message delivered at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, described Nigerian youth as the driving force behind every nation’s success. He stressed that their energy, innovation, and commitment are indispensable to achieving sustainable economic, social, and political progress. The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment as a cornerstone of national development, peace-building, and inclusive growth.
In his welcome address, Comrade Olawande emphasized that Africa’s greatest resource is its youth, whose courage, creativity, and leadership are critical in silencing conflict and driving societal transformation. He urged a shift in narrative — from viewing youth as perpetrators of violence to recognizing them as architects of peace and innovation.
The Minister outlined priority areas such as education, skills development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, inclusive governance, and civic engagement as pathways for empowering young people to take ownership of their future. He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to constructive youth engagement and violence prevention, stressing that Nigerian and African youth are not just leaders of tomorrow but the “doers of today.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, highlighted the central role of youth in peace and security. He commended Nigeria for its leadership through youth-led initiatives, digital innovation, and grassroots mediation, while urging stronger institutionalization of youth participation and sustained investment in creativity, leadership, and civic engagement.