The North Agenda for Tinubu has chided the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, for advocating for the country’s brightest mind to go seek greener pastures abroad.
The group argued that such a thinking from a political leader aspiring to the highest office in Nigeria, is inconceivable.
The group further argued that Peter Obi’s idea is a disservice to the dreams of millions who look up to government for hope and opportunity.
“Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria rests on the principles of hard work, dedication, and investment in our youth so that they will find fulfillment within our borders. His agenda is to implement critical reforms in order to create a Nigeria where young people can thrive, excel, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
“Every successful country today has risen on the backs of its young citizens, whose energy and innovation have driven development. Nigeria’s youth are our most valuable asset, and they must be seen not as passive observers but as active participants in the nation’s advancement. By disregarding Obi’s call for “Japa” and staying and working within Nigeria, our graduates and young professionals have the chance to directly influence policies, challenge old structures, and create industries that will provide employment, economic growth, and social stability for generations to come.
The North Agenda for Tinubu is pained to note that some of our political leaders are so entrenched in selfish political pursuit, which is leading them on an unbridled mission to run down our country for the only reason that Nigerians rejected them at the polls.
We advise Mr. Obi that he is at liberty to relocate elsewhere without necessarily urging our youths to abandon the country when we are at the verge of national transformation.
The group in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Yusuf Ajiji argued that Obi should be supporting in creating the conditions for them to succeed right here and not to promote the idea of escape.
The statement further added: “As a nation with over 200 million citizens and vast untapped potential, Nigeria has been blessed with resilient and talented young people, whose skills, intellect, and innovative spirit are critical to our development.
“However, due to toxic politics being played by politicians such as Obi, they have now resorted to encouraging these young people to migrate abroad in a deliberate effort to undermine the very foundation of Nigeria’s future because they lost elections in a free and fair contest.
“Africa – and Nigeria in particular – has suffered deeply from the exodus of our best and brightest. This brain drain is crippling sectors essential for sustainable growth, including healthcare, technology, engineering, education, and research. When graduates and professionals leave, they take with them the skills, expertise, and innovation that could build and strengthen our national infrastructure, spur industrialization, and lift millions out of poverty.
“For a leader to promote the idea of escape rather than engagement with national issues does a disservice to the dreams of millions who look up to government for hope and opportunity.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), efforts are being made by his administration to create more opportunities and empower Nigerian youths through initiatives that promote job creation, entrepreneurship, and skills development.”
“Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria rests on the principles of hard work, dedication, and investment in our youth so that they will find fulfillment within our borders. His agenda is to implement critical reforms in order to create a Nigeria where young people can thrive, excel, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
“Every successful country today has risen on the backs of its young citizens, whose energy and innovation have driven development. Nigeria’s youth are our most valuable asset, and they must be seen not as passive observers but as active participants in the nation’s advancement. By disregarding Obi’s call for “Japa” and staying and working within Nigeria, our graduates and young professionals have the chance to directly influence policies, challenge old structures, and create industries that will provide employment, economic growth, and social stability for generations to come.
“The North Agenda for Tinubu is pained to note that some of our political leaders are so entrenched in selfish political pursuit, which is leading them on an unbridled mission to run down our country for the only reason that Nigerians rejected them at the polls.
“We advise Mr. Obi that he is at liberty to relocate elsewhere without necessarily urging our youths to abandon the country when we are at the verge of national transformation.”
He listed some of the initiatives carried out under the current administration to include :”46,000 students are currently benefitting from the Education Loan Fund across 59 tertiary institutions.
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programmelaunched under Tinubu’s administration is equipping three million Nigerian youth with high-demand digital and technical skills, aligning with the administration’s focus on bolstering the country’s digital economy. This large-scale training includes skills in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and other tech-related fields that are in demand both domestically and globally.Unfortunately, one of such centres was destroyed by some misguided youths during the protest in Kano.
The National Youth Talent Export Programme(NATEP) is also an initiative of Mr. President to reposition Nigeria as a global hub for service exports and talent outsourcing in recognition of the skills and talents inherit in our youths.
The programme is being operated as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to foster innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This is also part of Tinubu’s broader strategy to generate foreign exchange, as participants will earn salaries from international companies while remaining in Nigeria. The initiative is in line with efforts to address Nigeria’s “brain drain” by creating appealing local job opportunities and encouraging skill development.
The Skill-Up Artisan Programme (SUPA) being implemented by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), is designed to empower and elevate Nigerian artisans across various trades to meet international standards. This initiative is part of President Tinubu’s agenda to reduce unemployment and address skill gaps in the workforce by upskilling five million artisans annually, aiming to reach 20 million artisans over four years.
SUPA provides intensive training in multiple skills, including welding, plumbing, electrical work, and motor mechanics, among others. It collaborates with both local training centers and international partners, ensuring certifications that enhance artisans’ employability. The first phase has already begun, with thousands of artisans selected for training, and additional phases are planned to broaden participation. The programme’s long-term goal is not only to create highly skilled workers but also to change perceptions, establishing Nigerian artisans as reputable professionals on par with global standards.
President Tinubu’s unwavering belief in the potential and capabilities of Nigerian youths is evident in his appointments of young leaders to head high-profile ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Interior, Water Resources, Communications and Digital Economy, Youth Development, Women Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), PENCOM. Niger Delta Power Holding Company, etc. These appointments mark a significant shift, as the President entrusts young professionals with vital national responsibilities and positions that historically have often been inaccessible to younger generations.
“This strategic move is part of President Tinubu’sbroader vision to empower, mentor, and nurture the next generation of leaders by giving them real authority and influence. This opportunity, long overdue, reflects the President’s commitment to inclusive governance and his dedication to harnessing the dynamism and fresh perspectives of Nigeria’s youth.
