The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has emphasized that the future for Nigerian youth lies within Nigeria, not in advanced countries like the United States, China, or Europe.
He made this assertion while delivering the keynote address at a public lecture celebrating the 90th birthday of former head of state Yakubu Gowon.
Adesina highlighted that the emigration of Nigeria’s talented youth would hinder the country’s technological growth and readiness for the fourth industrial revolution.
He stressed that Nigeria must address the root causes of the exodus by creating a stable macroeconomic environment, improving infrastructure, offering competitive salaries, and establishing technology hubs and support systems for innovation and entrepreneurship.
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He urged the government to leverage Nigeria’s demographic advantage, turning it into a “talent dividend” that could transform the country into a global leader brimming with skills and entrepreneurial capacity.
He stated, “We must become a global Nigeria, powered by consistent and sustainable government policies to retain our young talents.”
To support this vision, Adesina announced that the AfDB recently approved $100 million for establishing the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank in Nigeria. This new initiative aims to support youth-led businesses through technical assistance, business incubation, and equity investments.
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