The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has congratulated Nigerian youths on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026, urging them to embrace opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Mr Olawande made the call in a post on his official X account on Wednesday, celebrating the resilience, creativity, enterprise and contributions of young Nigerians to the country’s growth.

He said the 2026 global theme is “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships,” while the national theme is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

According to the minister, the theme reflects young Nigerians’ shared desire for opportunities, meaningful livelihoods, inclusion and national development, in spite of their diverse backgrounds, communities and circumstances.

He said those aspirations must remain central to Nigeria’s development agenda and guide efforts aimed at empowering young people across the country.

Mr Olawande said the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, was expanding opportunities through skills development, entrepreneurship, employment and economic inclusion initiatives.

He listed key programmes supporting youths as the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), NiYA StartUp, NiYA Gigs, YouthCred, Youth Help Desk and the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund.

The minister said the initiatives demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring that young Nigerians become active participants and drivers of national development rather than mere beneficiaries.

He urged youths to remain hopeful, purposeful and prepared to take advantage of available opportunities while investing in skills, innovation and knowledge.

Mr Olawande also encouraged young Nigerians to build partnerships and use their voices, talents and creativity to address challenges in their communities and contribute to nation-building.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to listening to youths, collaborating with them and creating pathways for their ideas, talents and aspirations to become realities.

Describing Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest strength, the minister emphasised the need to transform their potential into sustainable progress and prosperity.

Mr Olawande wished young Nigerians a happy International Youth Day and encouraged them to remain committed to building the Nigeria they desire.

(NAN)