Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has commended the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu, stating that it is providing young Nigerians with productive opportunities and innovative start-up initiatives.
Dr. Edu, who was accompanied by representatives from the European Union and 48 other countries, delivered this message during her opening remarks at an event in The Hague, the capital of the Netherlands. The event focused on addressing pressing migration issues related to youth in Africa and around the world and was jointly hosted by Nigeria and the Netherlands. The meeting was part of the Rabat Process on Migration, Youth, and Development.
Emphasizing the importance of exploring the link between migration, youth, and development, Dr. Edu pointed out that the global youth population between the ages of 15 and 25, comprising 16 percent of the world’s population, represents a growing mobile demographic that can significantly contribute to positive development.
Dr. Edu further revealed, “In Nigeria, as in other parts of Africa, the youth have cultivated a vibrant start-up ecosystem, attracting over $2 billion in investment between 2015 and 2022.”
She went on to highlight the remarkable achievements of Nigerian youth, stating, “In 2022 alone, 107 start-ups in Nigeria, founded by individuals between the ages of 25 and 35, attracted over $800 million in investment.”
Dr. Edu expressed her satisfaction that the youth are not only fostering innovation through tech start-ups but are also making substantial strides in various fields such as the creative industry, education, medicine, science, leadership, and sports. This, she said, is a testament to the immense potential and talent of the young generation in Nigeria.