Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has emphasized the critical role of financial stability among youths in fostering the progress of democracy. Gbajabiamila asserted that for financially unstable youths, navigating the path of democracy advancement becomes a formidable challenge.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) fellowship programme organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja on Monday, Gbajabiamila underscored the importance of collaboration between the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the administration led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to empower Nigerian youths financially.
“A generation of young people struggling to meet their basic financial needs are unlikely to be productive contributors to the advancement of democracy. On the other hand, when young people are engaged in productive economic pursuits that can provide for their needs, they are better positioned to participate in politics and governance from a position of strength,” remarked Gbajabiamila.
He highlighted that the commitment of the Tinubu administration includes the reconstruction of the national economy’s foundations. This, in turn, aims to make Nigeria more appealing to both foreign and local capital necessary for building essential public infrastructure, fostering new industries, nurturing communities, and generating an ample number of well-paying jobs.
“This strategic initiative is poised to make it easier for the government to address the demands of the large and growing population of young people in our country,” Gbajabiamila added. The statement reflects a proactive approach to empowering the youth economically, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of Nigerian democracy.
