Prominent businessman and publisher of The Street Journal Magazine, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for placing youth empowerment at the heart of its national development agenda.
Arisekola, who also serves as the National Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPCON), described the government’s initiatives as a strategic investment in human capital, digital innovation, and economic growth.
According to Arisekola, the administration has introduced more than 20 youth-focused programmes, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has already disbursed ₦283 billion to support over 1.5 million students from low-income families in tertiary institutions. He noted that the interest-free loan scheme has shielded many young Nigerians from financial hardship while ensuring access to higher education.
In an announcement he publicly made on Thursday, Arisekola emphasized that youth development is not only a social priority but also a national security and economic imperative. He highlighted government interventions spanning digital skills, agriculture, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, stressing that these initiatives are designed to prepare Nigeria’s youthful population for global competitiveness.
However, he expressed concern that many Nigerians remain unaware of these opportunities. “Over 65% of Nigeria’s population is under 30, making us one of the most youthful nations in the world. Any government that wants to succeed must empower its youth and transform them into national assets. Thankfully, President Tinubu’s administration is on point,” Arisekola said.
To bridge the information gap, Arisekola unveiled seven flagship programmes currently open for applications, complete with direct access portals:
Programmes Available for Nigerian Youths
- Technical & Vocational Education Training (TVET) Free technical education with a ₦45,000 monthly stipend during training. 🌐 fme.gov.ng
- NiYA Gig Digital Work Platform A government-backed freelance marketplace enabling Nigerians to earn locally and internationally in naira. 🌐 gigs.niya.gov.ng
- Student Loan — NELFUND Interest-free loans covering tuition and monthly upkeep. Repayment begins two years after NYSC, contingent on employment. 🌐 portal.nelf.gov.ng
- Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) A 12-month paid work placement across all 36 states, offering ₦150,000 monthly. 🌐 njfp.ng
- Labour Employment & Empowerment Programme (LEEP) Targeting 2.5 million jobs through a digital academy, vocational training, and global remote work access. 🌐 leep.gov.ng
- 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT) Free training in digital skills including data science, AI, and software development. 🌐 3mtt.nitda.gov.ng
- SMEDAN Creative & Garment Studios Support for young designers, tailors, and creatives in the fashion and creative economy. 🌐 smedan.gov.ng
Arisekola urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of these opportunities, stressing that the portals are open, funding is available, and no political or personal connections are required to benefit. He encouraged citizens to share the information widely to ensure maximum participation.
