The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian youth to embrace skills development as a powerful tool for national transformation and personal empowerment.
Represented by her Special Assistant (Technical), Princess Jummai Idonije, the Minister delivered the message at the opening ceremony of the 2025 United Nations World Youth Skills Day held at the FCT Department of Mass Education, Karu Site, Abuja. The event brought together educators, development partners, and hundreds of young people in celebration of creativity, innovation, and capacity-building.
“With over 151 million Nigerians under the age of 35 — nearly 70% of our population — our country holds immense potential. But this potential must be unlocked through the right education, values, and practical skills,” the Minister stated.
She emphasized that skills acquisition is not a backup plan, but a bold and visionary pathway for economic independence and national development. Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, she outlined ongoing efforts to promote gender-responsive youth entrepreneurship across sectors including tailoring, clean energy, agro-processing, ICT, and business management.
The Minister also spotlighted the importance of digital literacy, encouraging young people to view mobile phones not merely as communication tools, but as platforms for digital enterprise.
“With the right mindset, you don’t need capital to start; you need vision,” she urged.
She called on youth to take advantage of opportunities in urban gardening, food processing, and climate-smart farming, positioning agriculture as a sector of innovation and leadership in addressing food security and environmental sustainability.
In her message, the Minister also advocated for stronger collaboration between key stakeholders such as the FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD) to expand access to mentorship, empowerment initiatives, and startup support across the country.
Referencing a recent regional study in which Nigerian youth ranked highest in creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship across 10 African countries, she said: “This is both an affirmation and a call to action. Our youth are ready — they only need the tools and support.”
She encouraged young Nigerians to use the long school break productively: “This holiday is not for idleness. It is an opportunity to sharpen your skills, define your purpose, and begin building your future.”
The ceremony marks the start of a weeklong lineup of skill-building workshops, exhibitions, and mentorship sessions, all designed to empower Nigerian youth as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.
“As we mark World Youth Skills Day 2025,” the Minister concluded, “let it inspire us to equip, mentor, and uplift the next generation. Together, let us build a future where every young Nigerian is empowered to shine.”