Tinubu’s reforms will make Nigerians abroad eager to return — Minister
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms are laying the foundation for a prosperous and stable Nigeria that will soon compel Nigerians living abroad to consider returning home.
Speaking in Akure, Ondo State, during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, where he was honoured by the monarch, Olawande said the administration’s youth-focused agenda is designed to rebuild confidence and create opportunities that will make the country more attractive to young professionals.
“Everything the President is doing now is for the future. I promise you, in the near future, everybody will prefer to come and stay in Nigeria than remain abroad because the country is being stabilized,” the minister said.
He explained that President Tinubu’s administration is working to reverse the long-standing disconnect between Nigerian youth and political leadership.
“Before President Tinubu came into office, young people couldn’t feel the impact of governance. But now, things are changing, structures are being put in place,” he added.
Olawande highlighted several youth empowerment efforts including vocational and technical training, entrepreneurship support, and promotion of the creative industries. He said these initiatives are aimed at equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills for a competitive global environment.
He stressed that the Ministry of Youth Development is actively partnering with various agencies to deliver programmes that will not only empower youths but also help drive economic stability.
“Young Nigerians should take advantage of the opportunities being provided. The Tinubu administration is investing in the future and creating avenues for meaningful youth engagement across sectors like sports, agriculture, and entertainment,” he stated.
Commenting on emigration, Olawande noted that while the government does not seek to stop those who wish to travel, the goal is to make Nigeria a place where success is attainable.
“Let them go, gain knowledge, and bring it back to contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he said.
He also revealed that during his recent diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he received special access and recognition, an experience he credited to the renewed global respect for Nigeria’s youth development efforts under President Tinubu.
“I happened to be the first black Nigerian man that will visit that place and they will give access to, just because of what the president is doing,” Olawande noted.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Deji of Akure for the honour bestowed on him and lauded the monarch for his commitment to unity and development within the Akure Kingdom. He called on political actors in the community to prioritise unity and collective progress over personal ambition.
