Vice President Kashim Shettima, second left, Dr. Jemila Ibrahim, Youth Development Ministet, with other officials at the event.
FG to launch N110bn presidential initiative on youth enterprise clusters
The Federal Government is establishing a Presidential Initiative on Youth Enterprise Clusters, with an estimated cost of N110 billion.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during an event commemorating the 2024 World Population Day at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.
He said President Bola Tinubu is committed to include youths and women in governance, saying that the new initiative is distinct from the previously approved Youth Investment Fund, which had N100 billion allocation.
According to him, Presidential Initiative on Youth Enterprise Clusters aims will foster entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth by creating enterprise clusters that will provide support and resources for young entrepreneurs.
Vice President Shettima highlighted the critical role of data in effective population planning and development and stressed the need for accurate and comprehensive data to guide policymaking and resource allocation.
The Minister of Youth Development, Jemila Ibrahim, while stressing the Federal Government’s commitment to establishing a national youth development bank, explained that, ”This bank is designed to increase access to capital for young Nigerians and promote entrepreneurship.”
She also said the ministry’s role is to create an enabling environment and opportunities for young people to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavours.
According to her, ”This initiative will have a significant impact on youth empowerment and economic development across Nigeria.”
The Minister recently affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the diverse and evolving expectations of the nation’s youth into actionable policies.
Jemila Ibrahim, who spoke at the “Summit of the Future,” held at the United Nations House Auditorium in Abuja, emphasized the importance of addressing the specific needs and aspirations of young Nigerians.
Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that the forum aims to capture the views and expectations of the youth, addressing their challenges collectively to create a future where every young Nigerian can flourish.