President Bola Tinubu has stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve prosperity unless all regions of the country thrive. Speaking at a stakeholders’ roundtable on Northern Youth Development organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, Tinubu unveiled a youth-focused development agenda designed to address the nation’s pressing challenges.

Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu drew inspiration from the vision of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the former Premier of Northern Nigeria. “The late Sardauna of Sokoto recognised that the North cannot progress in isolation, just as Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part thrives,” he said.

Addressing the region’s security challenges, Tinubu outlined measures including strengthened community policing, the rehabilitation of displaced persons, and efforts to combat cross-border crimes. He also emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, unveiling initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters, and the Skill-Up Artisans Programme.

“Our creative and digital economy is a goldmine,” Tinubu noted, citing programmes such as the National Youth Talent Export Programme and the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) scheme. He also announced plans for a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank to provide financial and informational support.

The president warned that regional underdevelopment undermines national progress, urging all stakeholders to address issues like out-of-school children and youth unemployment.