By; TINA PHINEAS, YOLA The Federal Government has urged Nigerian youths to look inward, embrace innovation, and explore local opportunities i
By; TINA PHINEAS, YOLA
The Federal Government has urged Nigerian youths to look inward, embrace innovation, and explore local opportunities instead of risking their lives through irregular migration.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, made the call on Thursday in Yola, during a sensitisation campaign against irregular migration, organised by the ministry.
Represented by Mrs Grace Leleh, Director of Youth Migration and Climate Action, Olawande said the government recognised the frustration many young people face due to unemployment and economic hardship but stressed that irregular migration was not the solution.
“Our nation is full of opportunities waiting to be explored — from agriculture and technology to renewable energy and the creative economy,” he said.
“We must believe in our own capacity to build the Nigeria we dream of.”
He noted that while legal migration remains a natural part of human mobility, irregular migration exposes young Nigerians to exploitation, forced labour, and death in the desert or at sea.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as vocational and waste-to-wealth training, the relaunch of the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) with a ₦110 billion capital base, agricultural innovation programmes, and the construction of youth development centres nationwide.
He added that a 30 per cent youth inclusion policy in governance was part of ongoing reforms.
Mr Wali Yakubu, Adamawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, described the campaign as timely, warning that many youths were being misled by false promises of success abroad.
“We don’t need to cross dangerous borders to succeed.
“Our strength and creativity are the real wealth of this nation. Let’s replace the ‘Japa or die trying’ mindset with ‘Stay and build”, he said.
The Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sub-Office in Adamawa, Mr Maliki Hamidine, reaffirmed the agency’s partnership with the ministry in promoting safe migration and youth empowerment.
He said the collaboration included return and reintegration of migrants, peacebuilding, and livelihood support.
A participant, Mr Rubiruka Loniba, praised the campaign as “eye-opening,” saying it encouraged youths to channel their energy toward productive ventures at home.
“Nigeria is hard, yes, but it’s ours — and it needs us,” he said.
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