Senate President Ahmad Lawan has promised to transform Nigerian youths if elected president in 2023.

While addressing party delegates from the South-East zone in Owerri on Tuesday, Mr Lawan, an APC presidential hopeful, said he was more concerned about giving women and youths opportunities to play a dominant role in Nigeria’s development.

“”I’m particularly also concerned about our youths. I believe to transform Nigeria, you have to transform our youth. Take them off the streets. Take them to schools. We must invest in our education. We have to introduce entrepreneurship development courses so that those who are not able to go to tertiary Institutions should be useful in one trade or the other,” Mr Lawan said.

He also stressed his governance knowledge and willingness to build on President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements.

“I am from the North-East where security challenges have reduced drastically, but there are still some challenges to tackle. Secondly, we must continue to work for the improvement of our economy to be more productive and more inclusive,” he noted. “Small-scale traders must have some support; MSMEs must be supported to sustain their businesses, while employment opportunities must be created for the youth.”

The presidential hopeful advocated for a national integration policy and national cohesion to ensure fairness and access to social, economic and political opportunities.

“I believe that we must continue to work for national integration and give everyone a sense of belonging,” he said.

(NAN)