The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has officially launched a National Financial Literacy, Investment, and Wealth Creation Training Program aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills for entrepreneurship and wealth management.
During the launch, held at Rainbow Event Marquee Centre, Abuja, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering young people to succeed in business, investment, and financial planning.
Olawande explained that the Ministry has unveiled a renewed agenda to equip young Nigerians with the skills and mindset needed to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators.
“We must reshape youth aspirations beyond government jobs. Young people must see themselves as creators of value,” he said.
He added that the future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that is self-reliant, disciplined, and enterprise-driven.
At the core of this agenda is a comprehensive empowerment programme designed to provide millions of Nigerian youth with practical skills for economic advancement, emphasizing that the programme offers not just motivation but structured learning and real-world support.
According to the Minister, “Financial literacy is no longer optional, it is a survival skill. Young Nigerians must learn saving, investing, asset-building, risk management, and value creation to thrive in today’s economy.”
Ayodele also explained the Ministry’s development of the Nigeria Youth Academy, a national digital learning platform modelled after global standards. The platform will serve the youths by providing accessible courses, entrepreneurial resources, and capacity-building opportunities.
“Our goal is to democratize knowledge and ensure that every Nigerian youth has access to modern skills,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the Minister encouraged young Nigerians to seize opportunities, embrace innovation, and remain disciplined. “I came from humble beginnings, but determination and consistency opened doors for me. Young people must take responsibility for shaping their future,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Economic Planning and Budget, Senator Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to placing young Nigerians at the heart of its long-term economic transformation strategy, noting that as Nigeria works toward achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030, the active participation of young people is indispensable.
“The drive toward a trillion-dollar economy demands innovation, bold thinking, and youth participation,” he stated.
He added that the global economy is increasingly powered by technology and digital markets, urging Nigerian youth to leverage emerging opportunities regardless of their current circumstances.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, represented by Mr. Mike Nwaogu, the Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion, described the event as a significant milestone in our collective effort to build a financially confident and economically active generation of Nigerian youth.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to equipping young people with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in an evolving economic landscape.
“The event underscores the Ministry’s dedication to building sustainable structures that strengthen youth empowerment and drive Nigeria’s economic future,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described investment in youths as the nation’s most rewarding long-term asset. He urged private sector partners to collaborate with the Ministry to deepen youth financial inclusion, noting that such partnerships are vital to national economic growth.
Delivering his goodwill message, Dr. Enefola Odiba, International Programme Director, Investonaire Academy, stressed that while many young people have the ability to generate income, the real challenge lies in managing money effectively, expressing that genuine financial empowerment requires discipline, consistency, and the application of financial knowledge.
Signed
Omolara Esan
Director, Information & Public Relations
