The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has underscored the vital role that Nigerian youths can play in strengthening national defense, security, and development.
Delivering a lecture titled "Leveraging Nigeria's Digital Economy to Enhance National Security: Youth Empowerment and Job Creation" to participants of Executive Course 46 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru.
The Minister highlighted the intersection of youth empowerment, national security, and the digital economy, suggesting a forward-looking approach.
He emphasized the need for government policies and programs that empower young people to become catalysts for positive change.
-Programs such as the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS)
-Youth Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture (YISA) -Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P)
-Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN)
-National Directorate of Employment (NDE)
-N-Power were mentioned as examples of initiatives that, if properly implemented, could turn young Nigerians into key contributors to national development.
With over 60% of Nigeria's population under 25, Badaru pointed out the importance of harnessing this demographic advantage.
He referenced the impact of digital mobilization seen in movements such as the Arab Spring and Nigeria's #EndSARS protests, advocating for meaningful engagement with the youth.
Represented by Major General A.T. Jibrin (Rtd), the Minister acknowledged past efforts at youth empowerment but also noted their shortcomings.
He called for a strategic approach to ensure the effective implementation of government initiatives, underscoring that genuine youth empowerment is crucial for national security and defense.
Badaru also highlighted the extensive opportunities within Nigeria's digital economy for youth empowerment and job creation.
He stressed the importance of collaboration across various stakeholders, targeted interventions, and supportive policies to bridge the digital divide, address the skills gap, and reduce unemployment.
"By investing in digital infrastructure, innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship, Nigeria can unlock the transformative potential of its youth demographic, driving sustainable economic growth and ensuring a safer, more secure future.
