Nigeria’s Youth Urged to Leverage Opportunities Amid National Reforms
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing national reforms to ensure a brighter future for Nigerian youth.
During the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, where he delivered the 2026 Convocation Lecture titled “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” Malagi highlighted Nigeria’s considerable potential.
He stated that the country’s future depends on educating, developing skills, and engaging its young population, viewing them as vital to both personal progress and national growth.
The Minister pointed out that recent reforms—including the removal of petrol subsidies, the unification of the foreign exchange rate, and new tax laws—are strategic steps aimed at restoring Nigeria’s economic stability and good governance.
He explained that these reforms seek to establish a fairer, more transparent system that fosters development and attracts investment.
Malagi noted that these initiatives are already enhancing investor confidence and creating opportunities in sectors such as technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and the creative economy, with youth expected to benefit most.
He referred to government-supported programs like the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as proof of the tangible impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing its role in supporting hundreds of thousands of students.
The Minister encouraged graduates to see themselves as active contributors to nation-building through skill development, lifelong learning, and public service.
He congratulated the graduating students and expressed appreciation to the Federal University of Technology, Minna, for the invitation. Malagi’s remarks were attended by prominent figures, including Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago (represented by the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Obet Nana); FUT Minna’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdallah Adamu Kuta; former Vice Chancellor, Muftau Akanji; Niger South Senatorial Zone representative, Senator Peter Nda Alkali; Voice of Nigeria Director General, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace; and former Minister of Sports, Alhaji Sani Ndanusa.
