As part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), has disclosed plans to distribute 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles to Nigerian youth.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, assuring that better days lie ahead.

The minister said: “I have just concluded a meeting regarding a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Presidential Initiative on CNG, and the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria for a Tricycle Empowerment Programme targeting youths in the informal sector.”

The initiative will ensure that tricycle riders, who are predominantly youth, will spend only 20 per cent of what they currently spend on petrol, adding that it will improve their profit margins and reduce transportation costs for passengers.

Olawande urged Nigerian youths to embrace the various government initiatives, stressing that the future of the country lies in the hands of its youth.

He stressed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering the younger generation, explaining: “As our forefathers fought for the independence of this nation, it is our responsibility as the youth to preserve its unity for future generations. We must not allow ourselves to be used as agents of destruction under any circumstances.”

Olawande noted that the initiative was not for APC members or politicians but for ordinary Nigerians who genuinely need it, maintaining that the authorities have ensured that the programme is not for government officials’ relatives but for those who will benefit the most.

Highlighting the key interventions of the current administration, the minister added: “President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to fulfilling every promise he made to the youth.

“During his campaign, he vowed to prioritize youth inclusion in governance, and he has kept that promise. He approved a specific percentage for youth representation in his government, which has been implemented. Several young individuals have also been appointed as Directors-General, Executive Secretaries, and Chairpersons of agencies, parastatals, and boards.”

Olawande noted that the President’s appointments predominantly reflect the inclusion of children of average Nigerians, which he said is promoting equal opportunities.

“This underscores the President’s desire to build a nation where no one is denied opportunities based on their background,” he said.

READ ALSO: Oct 1: PCNGI launches Independence Day events to boost CNG adoption

The President has also initiated the Student Loan Scheme, enabling Nigerian youth to access quality education without financial constraints, and approved the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), which will provide young people with relevant skills to enhance their participation in business and the job market.

“As we confront the challenge of youth unemployment, the President believes that about 75 per cent of job seekers can find opportunities within the growing MSME sector and through rapid initiatives at the Bank of Industry (BOI),” Olawande added.

Recognising the digital potential of Nigerian youth, the government also launched the ‘Digital Literacy for All’ (DL4ALL) program, which aims to train over 30 million young Nigerians in digital skills, in partnership with NYSC and NITDA.

The minister further noted the recent approval of a Youth House in Abuja, which will serve as a platform for youth to express their abilities, explore their passions, and identify their self-identity.

He reminded the demographic of the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), with an initial capital of N110 billion, designed to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs and startups.

In his welcoming address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Ojo, explained that the gathering was convened to highlight the achievements of the Ministry.

“Yes, as youths, we deserve a lot, and that is why we demand a lot. But the present administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, has shown commitment to meeting the needs of Nigerian youth.”