FIC Report (Edo State) – In a significant move towards fostering national growth through youth empowerment, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, emphasized the pivotal role of Youth-Centric Policies in steering the country toward genuine sustainable progress. Speaking at an event organized by the Star Boy Movement, Edo State Chapter, on November 1st, 2025, in Benin, he highlighted the importance of youth engagement in development.
Hon. Minister Ayodele reiterated that Nigeria’s future hinges on harnessing the energy, innovation, and talents of its youth population, underscoring that the government perceives young people as vital drivers of progress. He expressed pride in the strides made under President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership and affirmed the ongoing commitment to building a resilient, inclusive economy.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to sustainable development, emphasizing that recent reforms—such as the removal of oil subsidies—have increased revenue and enabled greater investments in social programs. “Our goal is to ensure Nigeria’s youth are equipped, empowered, and positioned to build a better future,” he stressed.
The minister noted that over 250,000 young Nigerians have already been engaged in various skills acquisition and vocational training programs across federal, state, and local levels. These initiatives are fostering self-reliance and job creation.
Minister Ayodele praised Edo State’s leadership, particularly Governor Godwin Obaseki, for his commitment to youth empowerment and infrastructure development. “Edo State stands as a model of progress, demonstrating how focused leadership can transform communities,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, Olawande assured the youth that the federal government has launched various programs aimed at economic diversification and infrastructure growth. These include a national credit scheme to support small businesses, ongoing road construction projects worth over 2.2 trillion Naira, and initiatives in housing, renewable energy, and social infrastructure. All are aimed at creating jobs, improving living standards, and stimulating local economies.
The minister also emphasized that recent reforms—such as the removal of oil subsidies—have increased revenue and enabled greater investments in social programs. “Our goal is to ensure Nigeria’s youth are equipped, empowered, and positioned to build a better future,” he reiterated.
On his part, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, called on Nigerians to support ongoing efforts and continue mobilizing for national development beyond 2027. “Our collective responsibility is to support our government, sustain the progress, and ensure that Nigeria remains on the path of growth,” he said.
Senator Monday expressed optimism that with continued investment in youth development and inclusive policies, Edo can realize its full potential and achieve lasting progress beyond 2027.
Earlier, the Edo State Director of City Boy Movement, Hon. Paddy Iyamu Praise the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo for his virtue and dedicated Service. He described him as a man of great Integrity and emphasized his unwavering commitment to uplifting the Community with infrastructural development. He recounted personal story highlighted the leader’s genuine concern for Community Welfare, noting how he encourages acts of kindness, charity, empathy and support for Ordinary Citizens.
As Nigeria marches toward the future, Government representatives called on young Nigerians to actively participate in nation-building efforts. They urged continued support, collaboration, and mobilization to sustain the momentum of reforms initiated by the current administration, emphasizing that the journey toward sustainable development is a collective endeavor.
The gathering served as a rallying point for youth empowerment, reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Nigeria a thriving, prosperous nation driven by its young generation.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin.
November 3rd, 2025.
