Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored the crucial role of Nigerian youths in advancing Africa’s development, stating that they are indispensable to repositioning the continent.
Speaking at the 2024 Youth Legacy Conference held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth empowerment as a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Represented by Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Shettima emphasised that youth inclusion in governance and economic activities is not just symbolic but a necessity for sustainable development.
“There is no nation that can prosper without investing in its youth. They are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are also the anchors of today. President Tinubu is deeply committed to ensuring that the youth not only have a voice but are active participants in shaping our collective destiny,” he said.
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Themed “Shaping Africa’s Future with AfCFTA and Agenda 2063,” the conference highlighted the alignment between Nigeria’s youth-focused initiatives and Africa’s broader developmental goals.
Shettima pointed out that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 present opportunities for Nigerian youths to excel as entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, driving Africa into a prosperous future.
As a key highlight of the conference, the Ubuntu Trade App, a digital platform designed to promote trade and market access for African entrepreneurs, was launched.
The Vice President lauded the app as a testament to the ingenuity of young Nigerians, describing it as a critical tool for advancing Africa’s digital transformation.
Shettima further commended youth-driven initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellowship for their impact on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and social justice.
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He urged youths to embrace innovation and resilience, stressing that their contributions would define the future of Nigeria and Africa.
The conference also featured goodwill messages, including from U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David J. Greene, who emphasized the importance of building networks to foster free trade and integration across Africa.
In her remarks, Hajiya Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement, and Impact, praised the administration’s dedication to empowering youths.
She noted that initiatives like AfCFTA and Agenda 2063 offer unique opportunities for young Africans to lead the continent toward shared prosperity.
The event brought together prominent stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
