Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads, where youth power can either transform national destiny or remain an underleveraged potential. During the Stakeholders Consultative Forum on the NYSC Reform in Abuja, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, offered a powerful reminder of this truth. He did more than deliver a speech. He issued a national awakening. He explained that our huge youth population remains Nigeria’s greatest strategic asset, yet this potential remains dormant without urgent and targeted digital capacity development.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s demographic advantage offers unmatched global leverage. However, he warned that the future will be won only by countries that empower their young people with competitive digital skills. He stressed that global opportunities favour nations that invest in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, he highlighted that Nigerian youths possess the creativity and energy demanded by today’s digital economy. Therefore, he urged stakeholders to take responsibility and champion a future where young talent drives national progress.
He pointed out that the responsibility to unlock our youth advantage cannot rest solely on government. He called on industry leaders, institutions and development partners to be bold in creating opportunities. He insisted that Nigeria must embrace new thinking. He encouraged the creation of digital academies, innovation labs and structured learning pipelines for young citizens. He mentioned that the NYSC platform, when strategically reformed, can become a national springboard for building a skilled, innovative and digitally ready workforce.
He noted that the global economy is shifting rapidly. He stressed that nations that fail to equip their youth will fall behind. He warned that Nigeria cannot afford complacency. Moreover, he explained that digital skills have become mandatory for relevance in today’s world. He urged the country to move beyond theory and establish real, functional pathways that lead to jobs, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness.
He celebrated the courage, resilience and appetite for innovation among Nigerian youths. However, he reiterated that many young talents do not have access to the resources needed to grow. He challenged the nation to bridge this gap. He called for inclusive policies that support training, mentorship and digital literacy at scale. He emphasised that Nigeria must build a talent pipeline capable of driving its digital economy ambitions.
He further stated that youth development is not just an agenda. He insisted that it is a national survival strategy. He pointed out that modern economies thrive on innovation. He reminded stakeholders that innovation comes from people, especially young people. He therefore encouraged Nigeria to embrace a mindset focused on empowerment, creativity and opportunity creation.
He concluded that if Nigeria positions its youths correctly, it can stand tall in the global digital landscape. He reinforced that youth power remains the key to economic acceleration, national security, job creation and sustainable development. He urged every stakeholder to act. He maintained that the future will not wait. He insisted that Nigeria must unlock the potential of its young population now.
He ended with a clear call. He invited Nigeria to imagine a nation where every young citizen possesses digital competence, where innovation thrives and where technology shapes every sector. He affirmed that this vision is possible. He encouraged decisive action. He reminded the nation that the strength of Nigeria lies in its youth, and their power must be unleashed today.
