Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande has challenged Nigerians, particularly young people, to move beyond depending on government interventions and become active partners in building the country.
Olawande said young Nigerians should see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as contributors capable of creating solutions, businesses, jobs and opportunities for others.
The minister made the call while speaking on the role of young people in Nigeria's development and the importance of equipping them with relevant skills for an evolving economy.
He emphasised that the country's future depends significantly on the willingness of its young population to acquire knowledge, develop practical abilities and actively participate in national development.
According to Olawande, government programmes should serve as platforms that help young people become productive rather than encourage a permanent dependence on public support.
He urged Nigerians to take advantage of available opportunities to develop skills that can improve their employability, entrepreneurship prospects and capacity to contribute to their communities.
The minister's message comes amid increasing government efforts to introduce programmes targeted at youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship and employment.
Olawande argued that the impact of such initiatives would be greater when beneficiaries use the opportunities they receive to create sustainable value beyond themselves.
He encouraged young people to approach government interventions with a mindset focused on growth, productivity and long-term independence.
Rather than waiting for government to provide every solution, he said young Nigerians should identify problems within their communities and explore ways of turning those challenges into opportunities.
The minister also stressed the importance of acquiring relevant skills as technology and the nature of employment continue to change rapidly.
For young people entering an increasingly competitive labour market, he said skills development would remain essential to securing opportunities and adapting to emerging industries.
His comments reflect a broader shift towards encouraging Nigerian youths to participate actively in economic development rather than relying exclusively on government employment or financial assistance.
Olawande's call also places responsibility on young Nigerians to maximise opportunities provided through public and private-sector initiatives.
The minister's position suggests that empowerment should ultimately produce individuals who can become employers, innovators, entrepreneurs and community leaders.
He urged Nigerians to recognise that nation-building is not solely the responsibility of elected officials or government institutions.
According to the minister, citizens also have an important role to play by developing their capabilities, contributing to their communities and creating solutions to problems around them.
For young entrepreneurs, this could mean transforming business ideas into sustainable ventures, while skilled workers can contribute through professional expertise and innovation.
The emphasis on skills also comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with unemployment, underemployment and the challenge of creating enough productive opportunities for its large youth population.
Government support can provide an important starting point, but sustainable development ultimately requires individuals and businesses capable of generating economic value.
Olawande therefore encouraged young Nigerians to use empowerment programmes as stepping stones rather than permanent sources of support.
The minister's message is likely to resonate with ongoing conversations about how Nigeria can better harness its youthful population to drive economic growth and social development.
With millions of young Nigerians entering the labour market and seeking opportunities each year, stronger participation in entrepreneurship, technology, skilled employment and community development could significantly influence the country's future.
Olawande's challenge is therefore both to government and citizens: public institutions must continue creating opportunities, while Nigerians must be prepared to use those opportunities productively.
The minister maintained that the goal should be to build a generation capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's development rather than simply waiting for the next government intervention.