Peter Obi: Nigerian Youths Are Our Greatest National Asset, Not a Burden

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest national asset, saying they are not a burden to be managed.

Obi made the remarks in a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday while commemorating International Youth Day.

The former Anambra State governor acknowledged the courage, creativity, energy and enormous potential of Nigerian youths, stressing that they are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but among the greatest assets available to Nigeria today.

Obi also highlighted the need to build a country where young Nigerians can realise their potential without being forced to leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities.

He said Nigeria must increase investment in quality education, skills development, healthcare, technology, sports and decent employment to create an enabling environment for young people to thrive.

“Our youths are not a burden to be managed. They are our greatest national asset and the builders of the Nigeria we desire.

“Yesterday, while travelling to Bauchi, I was reminded once again of what our youths are capable of. The two captains who flew us were young men aged 20 and 28, respectively, while the crew members were also in their 20s.

“Their competence, confidence and professionalism were a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to excellence when young people are allowed to learn, work and lead.

“Across football, technology, medicine, aviation, entrepreneurship, academia, the creative industries and countless other fields, our young people continue to demonstrate that Nigeria has no shortage of talent. What we lack is the deliberate investment and enabling environment to help that talent flourish.

“On this International Youth Day, I celebrate our young people and reaffirm my commitment to a Nigeria where every young person has the opportunity to learn, work, create, lead and prosper.

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“With the support and active participation of the youth, a new Nigeria is possible,” he tweeted.

Obi’s message comes amid continued calls for greater investment in Nigerian youths, particularly in education, employment, technology, entrepreneurship and other sectors capable of unlocking opportunities for the country’s growing young population.