Federal Govt’s Reforms Creating Jobs, Boosting Economic Opportunities — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as crucial for creating employment opportunities for Nigerian youths and enhancing prospects across various sectors of the economy. Shettima emphasized the importance of skills acquisition for the nation’s young population, asserting that Nigeria can no longer afford to let its youth remain idle, unemployed, and unemployable.

Speaking on Friday at the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Shettima stressed that paying mere lip service to technical and vocational skills acquisition would be detrimental to the nation’s progress. He pointed to examples from low- and middle-income countries, particularly the Asian Tigers, to illustrate how focused efforts on skills development have propelled their economies and advised that Nigeria’s national development plans must follow a similar trajectory to secure a prosperous future.

“Technical and vocational skills acquisition is key, and we must take concrete actions towards achieving this,” Shettima said. “The danger of not investing in these skills is one we cannot afford to face.” He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to implementing economic reforms that go beyond superficial solutions, with the goal of laying the foundation for substantial economic opportunities in the future.

The Vice President further explained that the administration’s reforms were supported by increased allocations to state governments, ensuring that funding for development programs would be more robust and effective. He emphasized that the country’s agrarian roots serve as a reminder of the potential within sectors like agriculture, and that investing in human capital would fuel Nigeria’s growth, much like the skilled workers who contributed to the nation’s pre-oil economy.

Shettima lauded the vocational institute as a key instrument through which the government is fulfilling its promise to prioritize poverty reduction, job creation, and employment generation. He warned that neglecting to provide skills to the youth could lead to social instability, citing the strong connection between unemployment, violence, and other crimes.

The Vice President applauded the foresight of Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, whose efforts are transforming the state into a hub of jobs and economic opportunities. Governor Sule, in his address, thanked Shettima for his support and recognition of the state’s contributions to youth empowerment and economic transformation.

The event underscored the government’s determination to equip Nigerian youths with the necessary skills to either secure employment or become self-reliant entrepreneurs, contributing to the country’s overall economic advancement.