President Bola Tinubu

Tinubu’s commitment to young people, unprecedented – Aide

The commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to young people and their development is unprecedented, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has said.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony of first batch of ICT training he sponsored for youths and students in his native Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State, Abdulaziz said the President has redefined the idea of youth engagement and empowerment.

“Mr President has prioritised young people through many initiatives aimed at making our young people self-reliant. The President doesn’t want to give you food, he is giving you means to get your own food,” he said.

He listed the administration’s initiatives such as training of three million young Nigerians in IT skills, the Scale Up Artisans project, the Nigeria Youths Academy, among other interventions.

Abdulaziz also said the President has given young people voices by appointing young Nigerians into his cabinet and other important positions.

“For the first time we have a truly young Nigerian as minister of youths development. We have other young people in the cabinet and key appointments. We have to appreciate that.”

Abdulaziz said the IT training he sponsored was a way of giving back to the community and uplifting the underprivileged to attain their full potentials as part of his ongoing commitment to community development.

During the event, Abdulaziz also presented computers to some of the best-performing students in recognition of their dedication and excellence.

This initiative, he noted, is part of a broader vision to equip the youth with relevant digital skills, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the empowerment of the youth and overall development of Fagge LGA and Kano State.

He emphasized that such initiatives are essential in actualizing the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth, innovation, and self-reliance.

A representative of the community, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, expressed the community’s appreciation to the Presidential aide for his consistent support and developmental strides.

He assured that the community will reciprocate through continued support and prayers for the success of the Tinubu administration.

Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State and Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State have been honoured with the Pensioners-Friendly Governors’ Award by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The awards were presented at the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the NUP, held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

The recognition was given in appreciation of the governors’ efforts towards improving the welfare of pensioners in their respective states.

In his remarks, Bago expressed gratitude for the award, describing it as a morale booster that would spur him to do more for retirees.

He announced plans to establish a farm dedicated to pensioners in Niger State, to enable them to engage in modern agriculture and enhance their livelihoods.

According to him, the initiative is part of his administration’s broader efforts to boost agricultural productivity. He noted ongoing interventions in the state, including the distribution of tractors and empowerment programmes targeting youth and women.

Bago also commended Gov. Yusuf for hosting the conference and pledged a donation of N100 million to support the event.

Gov. Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, welcomed participants and reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.

He disclosed that over N16 billion has been paid to settle outstanding retirement benefits, aimed at alleviating challenges faced by retirees.

The NUP President, Mazi Godwin Abumisi, said the awards were in recognition of the governors’ support for senior citizens, particularly in settling pension and gratuity arrears, which he noted had eased economic hardships for retirees.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, represented by Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, described the conference as timely and urged delegates to focus on improving the welfare of pensioners.

Delegates from across the federation attended the event.