By Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing Nigerian youth at the heart of the country’s economic diversification agenda, as the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Monday received participants of Senior Executive Course 48 (SEC 48) of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, described the study visit as timely and critical to Nigeria’s development agenda.
He commended NIPSS for its consistent role in grooming visionary leaders and advancing strategic policy thinking in the country.
Keshinro noted that the focus of SEC 48 on economic diversification and national development aligns closely with the priorities of the current administration. She emphasized that Nigeria’s pathway to sustainable growth lies in effectively harnessing the vast potential of its youthful population.
According to her, the nation’s youth represent not only a demographic advantage but also a strategic asset capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic transformation.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry to empower young Nigerians through targeted policies and programmes focused on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, skills development, and improved access to finance. These initiatives, she explained, are designed to reposition young people from the margins of economic participation to the forefront of productivity and wealth creation.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the importance of strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem through sustained investment in human capital development, expansion of mentorship networks, and the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms to support youth-led enterprises.
She added that such measures are critical to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on traditional revenue sources while accelerating economic diversification.
Describing the visit as a platform for meaningful engagement, she encouraged participants to share insights and practical recommendations that would enhance youth-focused policies and programmes.
“As you interact with our team, we look forward to innovative ideas and solutions that will further position youth entrepreneurship as a key driver of sustainable growth in Nigeria,” she said.
Keshinro reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to transitioning Nigerian youth from job seekers to job creators through entrepreneurship development, digital skills enhancement, and expanded access to sustainable financing.
Minister also expressed optimism about the growing alignment between the objectives of SEC 48 and the Ministry’s strategic focus on youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, the Director of Research, Musa Umar, said the institute, established in 1979, has continued to train strategic leaders and conduct research in national policy, leadership, and development.
He explained that NIPSS flagship Senior Executive Course, which runs for ten months, draws participants from the public and private sectors, the military, and civil society.
“At the end of the programme, participants present recommendations on critical national issues assigned annually by the President, thereby contributing to policy formulation and national development,” he said.
Umar added that the focus of SEC 48 on the orange economy and entrepreneurship for sustainable growth underscores the central role of youth in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and economic transformation.
“That is why we are here today. We consider this Ministry critical in discussions around the orange economy and entrepreneurship because young people are at the heart of these sectors,” he added.
