Northern Nigeria’s development key to national prosperity – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that the development of Northern Nigeria is critical to the prosperity of the entire nation.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development in Abuja on Tuesday, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, unveiled a comprehensive youth development strategy aimed at transforming the region’s economic landscape.

The event, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, was held in honour of the late Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Nigeria.

In his address, President Tinubu invoked the legacy of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, emphasising the importance of inclusive development.

“The North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives,” he stated, underscoring that regional development is integral to national growth.

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The President further warned that disruptions in one region’s growth can impede the entire nation’s progress, pointing to the alarming statistics of Nigeria’s large number of out-of-school children.

“This is not a source of pride, but a challenge that must be addressed urgently,” he said, calling for swift action to transform the nation’s population growth into a demographic advantage.

Outlining his administration’s initiatives for youth empowerment, President Tinubu highlighted the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, and other transformative projects aimed at boosting the nation’s creative and digital economy.

These include the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).The President also noted key investments in sectors critical to the nation’s future, including agriculture.

“Investments in agriculture and industrialisation will position the North as Nigeria’s agricultural hub,” he declared, stressing the region’s strategic importance.

Plans for a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank were also revealed as part of the administration’s efforts to provide financial and informational support to young Nigerians.

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On security, President Tinubu outlined measures to restore stability in the North, including strengthening community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and addressing cross-border challenges like smuggling and insurgency.

With Nigeria projected to become the world’s third-largest nation by 2050, with three-quarters of its population under the age of 21, the President called for urgent action to ensure the country’s future is defined by order, stability, and safety.

“This task is both urgent and achievable,” he said, emphasising the crucial role of youth in shaping the nation’s future.

Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, also addressed the forum, marking the 15th anniversary of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation.

He urged the government to act on the recommendations discussed at the event, stressing the importance of youth in driving the nation’s development.

Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, also spoke, emphasising the critical role of education in shaping Nigeria’s future. “Our youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders today,” he said, urging continuous dialogue between the government and youth across Northern Nigeria.

The Sultan further highlighted that education must be the government’s top priority, noting that it is essential for both national development and spiritual growth.