12 Aug 2026

My Salute to the young on International Youth Day. Today, as we celebrate International Youth Day, I salute the courage, creativity, energy, and enormous potential of our young people. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are the greatest asset of our country today. Yesterday, while travelling to Bauchi, I was reminded once again of what our youths are capable of. The two captains who flew us were young men of 20 and 28 years respectively, while the crew members were also in their 20s. Their competence, confidence, and professionalism were a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to excellence when young people are allowed to learn, work, and lead. Across football, technology, medicine, aviation, entrepreneurship, academia, the creative industries, and countless other fields, our young people continue to demonstrate that Nigeria has no shortage of talent. What we lack is the deliberate investment and enabling environment to help that talent flourish. We must therefore invest more in quality education, skills, healthcare, technology, sports, and decent employment. We must create a country where a young Nigerian does not have to leave Nigeria to fulfil his or her potential. Our youths are not a burden to be managed. They are our greatest national asset and the builders of the Nigeria we desire. On this International Youth Day, I celebrate our young people and reaffirm my commitment to a Nigeria where every young person has the opportunity to learn, work, create, lead, and prosper. With the support and active participation of the youth, a new Nigeria is possible. Happy International Youth Day! -PO