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The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, says Nigerian youths have been disconnect from government and governance in the last 40 years, assuring that the current administration is seeking to reverse the trend.
He said efforts were ongoing to make the country a place Nigerians abroad, especially young professionals, will soon want to return to.
The minister spoke to journalists in Akure at the weekend during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.
He said the ongoing reforms and empowerment initiatives by the Tinubu-led administration were aimed at creating an environment where Nigerian youth could thrive and take pride in their country.
“Everything the president is doing now is for the future. And I promise you, in the near future, everybody will prefer to come and stay in Nigeria than remain abroad because the country is being stabilized,” Mr Olawande said.
Olawande emphasized that for too long, Nigerian youths have felt disconnected from leadership, but President Tinubu’s administration is making deliberate efforts to reverse that trend.
“There are 40 years of breaking. Youths have not been able to see, touch, or feel the government. But now, we are putting all structures together—skills, education, partnerships—to bring them back into the fold,” he said.
He added that Nigeria is now working toward a model where “one Nigerian should have two skills,” promoting employability and productivity among youths across sectors.
The minister also revealed his recent diplomatic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he engaged in youth development collaborations — a move he said signaled the growing international recognition of Nigeria’s new youth agenda.
“I happened to be the first black Nigerian man that will visit that place and they will give access to, just because of what the president is doing,” Olawande said.
During the colourful anniversary ceremony, Mr Olawande was honoured with a Special Youth Leadership Service Award by the Deji of Akure.
Expressing gratitude, he said the award renewed his passion and commitment to serving Nigerian youth with integrity.
“It was a deeply symbolic occasion that reflected the rich cultural heritage, enduring unity, and progressive spirit of the Akure people,” he said.
The minister, who is from Akure, also used the occasion to call for unity among political actors in the kingdom, urging stakeholders to bury personal ambitions for a greater collective goal.
Meanwhile, the Deji of Akure, while making remarks at the ceremony said it was Akure’s turn to produce the next governor after the current governor serves out his tenure.
“But the next governor in Ondo state will be from Akure kingdom. if I say Akure, I mean anybody from whether Akure North, Akure South or Ifedore local governments. The three councils areas are all Akure. This coming one it’s going to be our turn,” the monarch said.
He also relieved his challenges in ruling over the communities in Akure, pointing out that there are over 100 court cases challenging his authority over certain communities.
He noted that the contentions were unnecessary as all Akure speaking communities are Akure under the leadership of the Deji.