Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth empowerment as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development strategy and Africa’s integration goals. Speaking at the 2024 Youth Legacy Conference in Abuja, Shettima highlighted the pivotal role of young people in shaping the nation’s future under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Vice President emphasized the importance of investing in youth as active participants in nation-building. “The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are anchors of today. President Tinubu is committed to ensuring their voices are heard and their potential harnessed,” he stated.
The event, themed “Shaping Africa’s Future with AfCFTA and Agenda 2063”, spotlighted the alignment between youth empowerment and continental development. Shettima noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers vast opportunities for young Nigerians to lead in innovation and entrepreneurship, driving Africa toward integration and prosperity.
cis not just about trade; it’s about creating opportunities for our youth to connect, innovate, and lead Africa into a new era of prosperity,” Shettima said. Agenda 2063, he added, will be realized through the energy and creativity of young Africans.
A highlight of the conference was the launch of the Ubuntu Trade App, a digital platform aimed at fostering Africa’s trade integration and expanding market access for young entrepreneurs. Describing the app as a milestone in Africa’s digital transformation, Shettima praised it as a testament to Nigerian youths’ ingenuity.
“Our youth consistently demonstrate their ability to reshape industries. This app underscores their innovation, from agriculture to technology,” he noted.
The Vice President stressed the administration’s deliberate inclusion of young people in governance and critical sectors, fostering synergy between fresh ideas and experienced leadership. “You are architects of the future. This government is your partner in progress,” Shettima assured, adding that the conference would drive sustainable growth for Nigeria and Africa.
In a goodwill message, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, lauded the event, emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment for Africa’s development. Represented by David J. Greene, Mills highlighted the Mandela Washington Fellowship’s role in providing leadership training and networking for young Africans.
Hajiya Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser on Women and Youth Engagement, praised the conference’s focus on youth as Africa’s greatest asset, emphasizing that initiatives like AfCFTA and Agenda 2063 position the continent for shared prosperity.
Farida Yahaya, President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), echoed the commitment to youth empowerment, citing the alumni’s impact on grassroots initiatives and national policy reforms. “Our mission is to create a better Nigeria by fostering innovation, mentorship, and sustainable development,” she said.
As the conference concluded, stakeholders reiterated the vital role of young Nigerians in driving progress, with Shettima declaring, “The future is bright because you are in it.”
