Dr. Michael Nwoko, South South Contact and Mobilisation Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, has highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms and youth-focused intervention programmes as critical pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Dr. Nwoko, the administration’s reforms are designed to reposition Nigeria’s economy while creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians through education, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and skills development.
He noted that since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has implemented bold economic policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, tax administration reforms and major infrastructure investments aimed at restoring fiscal stability, attracting investment and stimulating economic growth.
“The reforms may have presented short-term economic challenges, but they are intended to lay the foundation for long-term prosperity and improved opportunities for Nigerians, particularly the youth,” Nwoko said.
Speaking on youth development initiatives, Nwoko described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a landmark intervention that provides interest-free loans to students in tertiary and vocational institutions, thereby expanding access to quality education and reducing financial barriers.
He also commended the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA), saying the initiative would equip young Nigerians with digital skills, artificial intelligence knowledge, software development expertise, entrepreneurial capacity and leadership competencies required to compete in the global digital economy.
According to him, the administration has further demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment through startup support programmes, business incubation initiatives, access to financing for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and investments in agriculture, technology, manufacturing and the creative industries.
Nwoko added that government investments in ICT training, broadband expansion, innovation hubs and remote work opportunities are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and improve youth employability.
He also identified the Consumer Credit Programme as another strategic intervention designed to provide affordable credit to young professionals and entrepreneurs, enabling them to acquire productive assets and grow their businesses.
The City Boy Movement coordinator further noted that the administration is strengthening technical and vocational education through apprenticeship schemes, artisan development, industrial training and skills acquisition programmes.
He also pointed to ongoing reforms in the National Youth Service Corps, which now place greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy, leadership development and career readiness.
According to Nwoko, the various initiatives are expected to increase employment opportunities, improve access to education, promote entrepreneurship, expand digital skills and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian youths in the global labour market.
He, however, acknowledged that challenges such as inflation, high youth unemployment, funding limitations and implementation delays remain.
Despite these concerns, Nwoko expressed confidence that sustained implementation, transparency and adequate funding would ensure the reforms deliver meaningful improvements in employment, entrepreneurship and living standards.
He urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous opportunities being created through the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that active participation in government programmes would enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
