President Muhammadu Buhari says young people worldwide have proven that they can drive the change process, contributing positively to the socio-economic development of their communities.

The president stated this while opening the Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Buhari claimed his regime heavily invested in youth development, creating formidable platforms for youths to hone their leadership skills.

The president pledged that Nigeria as a member of the Commonwealth, would continuously create an enabling environment for young people to blossom and reach their potential.

‘‘I am very optimistic that with the breed of young people gathered here, actionable policy decisions that will further enhance development. Productivity of the youth will be reached for the heads of government of the Commonwealth to implement to further better the lots of young people of the Commonwealth,’’ Mr Buhari said.

On initiatives to support the empowerment of young people, the president said, ‘‘The digital revolution is clearly upon us with the young ones leading the way in ICT, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, e-commerce and the like. Investments in building a digital economy must proceed along with investment in the ideas, skills and enterprise of our youth.”

He listed such platforms as the Youth Parliament, National Youth Council of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, and Nigeria Youth Congress, among others.

According to him, through these platforms, young people and students can hone their leadership skills and make relevant contributions to decision-making, especially on issues that border their development and welfare.

(NAN)