Abuja, Nigeria - Vice President Kashim Shettima has delivered a powerful message of hope and empowerment to Nigerian youths, emphasizing that even a modest sum of 8,000 naira can transform the life of a determined young person with the right mindset and guidance.
Shettima made these remarks amidst growing national efforts to tackle youth unemployment and bridge critical skills gaps in the country. Speaking at the inauguration of the reactivated Board of Generation Unlimited (GenU) Nigeria earlier this month, the Vice President highlighted the immense potential Nigeria’s young population holds as a "superpower" capable of driving economic growth and innovation if properly invested in.
“With over 60 percent of our population below the age of 25, we cannot afford to squander this asset,” Shettima said. “An advantage unrealized is merely potential wasted. We must refine it, invest in it, and channel it towards productive destinies.”
The Vice President underscored the challenges facing the youth, including exclusion from meaningful training, disconnection from livelihoods, and lack of infrastructure for scaleable skills development. He, therefore, urged systemic change through initiatives like the Digital Access and Livelihoods Initiative (DALI), which links foundational and work-readiness training directly to guaranteed jobs or entrepreneurial paths.
Shettima’s call to action included the reminder that small but focused investments—such as the symbolic 8,000 naira—can catalyze life-changing opportunities for youth who know how to apply themselves. His words are a rallying cry for government, private sector, and communities to collaborate in creating enabling environments that nurture talent, ambition, and innovation.
The Federal Government’s commitment under Shettima’s leadership seeks to connect 20 million young Nigerians to jobs, training, and entrepreneurship by 2030, ensuring that no youth is left behind in the country’s socioeconomic progress.
“Nigerian youths are not limited. We have the talent, creativity, and courage to thrive. What we need is meaningful support and an enabling environment,” Shettima concluded.