President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that his administration’s economic policies will create a more prosperous environment, encouraging professionals who left the country to return.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to policies aimed at improving the economy, particularly for young Nigerians who make up over 60 percent of the population.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed details of the meeting in a statement titled *Nigerian Professionals Will Return As Economy Improves, President Tinubu Assures at Inauguration of National Youth Confab Planning Committee.*
Addressing concerns about the “japa” trend, where Nigerians relocate abroad for better opportunities, Tinubu noted that economic growth would reverse the migration pattern.
“If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he said.
The President emphasized that every policy decision, including the removal of fuel subsidies, was aimed at securing a better future for Nigerians.
“I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you. Every decision I have taken is about the future,” he added.
Tinubu tasked the 44-member implementation committee with ensuring that outcomes from the youth conference lead to impactful policies.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” he stated.
He also highlighted the progress of his economic reforms, acknowledging the initial difficulties but insisting that positive results were now visible.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well. But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing,” Tinubu said.
He assured young Nigerians of his administration’s openness to engagement, encouraging them to speak frankly about the country’s challenges and offer solutions.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the President for prioritizing youth inclusion, citing initiatives such as the student loan scheme and infrastructural development.
Committee member Samson Itodo welcomed the youth conference as a step toward meaningful youth participation in governance, highlighting key focus areas such as political governance, economic transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, energy transition, and security.
The implementation process will involve virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and a final congress in Abuja.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, with other members including Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Dr. Linus Okorie, Dr. Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, and several others.
Monday’s inauguration follows Tinubu’s Independence Day announcement of a 30-day national youth conference aimed at addressing critical issues affecting young Nigerians.
