TINUBU VOWS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IS PERSONAL PRIORITY AS FG ROLLS OUT STARTUP GRANTS

President Bola Tinubu has declared that empowering young Nigerians is a personal priority for him and not merely a political gesture. He vowed to remove barriers that limit their potentials. The President made these remarks during the Grant Award Ceremony and flag-off of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA) Gigs at the State House. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu highlighted reforms aimed at easing tax compliance and expanding access to credit. He also outlined support for digital and creative economy entrepreneurs. The programmes are designed to build a pipeline of young global service providers through NiYA Academy, NiYA Startup, NiYA Jobs, and the newly launched NiYA Gigs. Addressing beneficiaries, the President said, “See the grants as a vote of confidence from the nation.”

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the administration is building a comprehensive youth empowerment ecosystem. He announced that 200 youth-led startups will receive grants of N1 million each, while 100 informal sector beneficiaries will get N500,000 each. Olawande emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering youth development and economic growth.