Youth stakeholders across the seven North-West states of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council and the governors of the region for what they described as their contributions to national and regional development.
The youths, in a statement signed by the APC Youth Leader in Sokoto State, Comrade Suleiman Mahmud, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, commended President Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, governors of the seven North-West states and other leaders for their contributions to national development.
They said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s achievements and renew the collective commitment to addressing the country’s economic, security and social challenges.
The group specifically acknowledged federal initiatives in infrastructure, education, agriculture, digital innovation, healthcare and social investment, noting that such programmes could expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
They also commended the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for his responsibilities in national economic planning, budget coordination and the development of policies supporting sustainable growth.
The youths equally drew attention to the contribution of the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Bashar Aliyu Buhari, particularly in facilitating youth-focused engagements and strengthening communication between young people and leadership institutions.
According to them, greater engagement between young Nigerians and policymakers remains important to ensuring that government policies and programmes adequately address the concerns of the country’s youthful population.
The stakeholders also commended the Federal Ministry of Works, under Engr. David Umahi, for ongoing highway construction and rehabilitation, including strategic transportation corridors in the North-West.
They cited the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road among projects capable of improving connectivity, facilitating trade and expanding economic opportunities.
The youths also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, noting the Presidency’s reported disbursement of more than N282 billion to support over 1.5 million students as of May 2026.
They further recognised the Three Million Technical Talent programme as an initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills relevant to employment, innovation and participation in the global economy.
On agriculture, the group acknowledged federal initiatives supporting mechanisation, access to farm inputs, agricultural financing and irrigation, while also recognising ongoing efforts in primary healthcare, health insurance and affordable housing.
The stakeholders called for stronger inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure that federal programmes translate into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians, particularly young people in underserved communities.
Governors’ initiatives
The group also acknowledged development programmes being implemented by the seven North-West state governments in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, economic empowerment and security.
In Sokoto State, they cited Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda, particularly initiatives in road construction, housing, water supply, healthcare and agricultural mechanisation.
They also mentioned the NG-CARES and Ahmadu-CARES empowerment programmes, housing developments and support for security agencies.
In Katsina State, the youths highlighted Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s reported investments in education, healthcare, agricultural mechanisation and renewable energy, including more than N120 billion reportedly spent on education.
They also noted Governor Umar Namadi’s administration in Jigawa for its focus on agricultural development, education, renewable energy and healthcare.
In Zamfara, the group acknowledged programmes of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration covering school rehabilitation, hospital reconstruction, township roads and security support.
They also recognised development responsibilities of the Kaduna, Kano and Kebbi state governments, particularly in infrastructure, education, agricultural production, healthcare, investment and youth development.
Seek stronger action on insecurity
The North-West youths said security remained critical to agricultural production, education, trade, investment and the safe movement of people and goods across the region.
They called for sustained investment in intelligence gathering, community engagement, security coordination and rehabilitation of communities affected by violence.
They also urged greater investment in irrigation, agricultural mechanisation, rural roads, livestock development and agro-processing to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
On youth inclusion, the stakeholders called on all levels of government to strengthen youth consultation, expand vocational and digital training, support youth-owned enterprises and establish transparent mechanisms for monitoring empowerment programmes.
They further acknowledged the contributions of legislators, traditional rulers, community leaders, development partners and civil society organisations to peacebuilding, education, community development and the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the youths reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity, responsible citizenship and constructive participation in national development.
They acknowledged progress across several sectors while noting that insecurity, unemployment, the cost of living and unequal access to essential services remained pressing concerns.
They called for sustained cooperation among leaders, public institutions, the private sector and young Nigerians to address the challenges and ensure that development reaches communities throughout the federation.
