Ajadi calls for urgent youth empowerment, productivity, price stability

The Chief Executive Officer of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited and former gubernatorial candidate for Ogun State under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has renewed his call for government action on youth empowerment in Nigeria.

During an interactive session with the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) yesterday, Ajadi emphasised the urgency of supporting Nigeria’s youth to unlock their potential, drive economic productivity, and reduce social unrest.

Ajadi argued that the youths hold untapped promise that, if effectively harnessed, could benefit both the economy and governance.

“Nigerian youths, like their counterparts worldwide, have immense potential waiting to be tapped,” he said.

He stressed that youths engagement could lead to increased productivity, value addition, and crime reduction.

Citing the recent spike in living costs amid stagnant salaries, Ajadi warned that economic pressures could worsen if the government does not intervene.

“Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed, yet incomes remain the same. This imbalance is unsustainable, especially with our large youth population,” he remarked.

Ajadi outlined a series of recommendations for the Federal Government, urging action on several fronts including, employment creation, production incentives and price stability.

He called for job opportunities to ensure Nigerian youth have clear paths to employment after completing their education.

Ajadi advocated for government support to employers, incentivizing them to boost production activities and create more jobs.

He urged the government to control the cost of essential goods, making them more affordable for average Nigerians.

Describing Nigerian youth as “energetic and capable,” Ajadi recommended targeted agricultural initiatives as a viable means to empower young people and drive economic growth.

He proposed the establishment of farm settlements and agricultural production centers nationwide, supported by take-off funds, which he emphasised must be carefully monitored and supervised.
Ajadi also suggested equipping technical colleges and polytechnics to make them practical-oriented, enabling them to fabricate machinery locally.

These institutions, he said, could serve as hubs for youth training and local manufacturing.

“I believe we can better harness the potential of Nigerian youth, particularly through agriculture and practical education,” he added.

He urged for a budgetary allocation to support agricultural programs, noting that regionally selected youth could be trained for agricultural production, which would engage them economically and increase the country’s agricultural output.