The Federal Government has restated its commitment to youth empowerment and national development through strategic leadership and capacity building. This was the focus of the Strategic Youth Leadership Conference held in Abuja, organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the National Defence College.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the conference is aimed at preparing young Nigerians for leadership roles. He noted that youth play a vital role in the country's growth and must be equipped with the right skills, values, and mindset to lead.

He outlined several initiatives being implemented by the administration, including the Nigerian Youth Academy, which is designed to train seven million young people in digital and professional skills, and the Three Million Technical Talent program, which focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, and software development. The government is also working towards achieving 70 percent digital literacy nationwide by 2027.

Other programs include a job creation initiative targeting over two million employment opportunities, a student loan scheme to increase access to higher education, a youth agricultural program supporting thousands of young entrepreneurs, and a national youth fellowship aimed at promoting leadership in health and public service at the grassroots level.


Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Okosun, said the conference is a deliberate effort to build strategic leadership capacity among young Nigerians. He encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to national security, development, and good governance. Others speakers urged participants to apply what they have learned in their communities, workplaces, and institutions to help shape the future of the country.