Tinubu hails security gains, unveils expansive support for Nigerian Youths

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, said the country is recording decisive victories against insecurity while rolling out bold initiatives to empower young Nigerians across education, technology, and the creative economy.

The President, in his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, praised the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in reclaiming territories once overrun by insurgents and criminals.

“We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe.

“They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram terror in the North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in the South-East, and banditry and kidnapping,” Tinubu said.

He added that peace had returned to hundreds of communities in the North-West and North-East, with thousands of displaced persons safely resettled.

According to him, the government would continue to celebrate and honour the gallantry of those defending the nation.

Turning to young Nigerians, Tinubu described them as the country’s greatest assets and urged them to pursue their dreams with courage.

“You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high,” he declared.

He highlighted several initiatives designed to empower young people under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), he said, had already supported 510,000 students in 228 higher institutions across all 36 states and the FCT, with ₦99.5 billion disbursed as loans and an additional ₦44.7 billion provided as upkeep allowance.

Tinubu also cited Credicorp, which has granted ₦30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, and digital devices, as well as the newly launched YouthCred programme which he said has begun supporting National Youth Service Corps members with consumer credit to ease their resettlement after service.

Looking to the future, the President announced that the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme was ready for full rollout, backed by the Bank of Industry, the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank.

“Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors,” he explained.

Tinubu reassured Nigerians that his administration’s twin focus on security and youth empowerment would lay the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous nation.