The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called on the private sector, donor agencies, and civil society organisations to make sustained investments in youth-led innovations as a critical pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building a better future beyond 2030.
Youth as Co-Creators of Solutions
Speaking in Abuja at the 2025 International Youth Day Youth Innovation Funfair themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, the Minister emphasised that young people are not merely beneficiaries of the SDGs, but co-creators of innovative solutions capable of transforming Nigeria and the world.
“Your innovation is the bridge between today’s Nigeria and the Nigeria we dream for future generations,” Olawande stated, urging partners to support promising youth initiatives through funding, mentorship, and access to markets.
Nigeria’s Youth as the Nation’s Greatest Asset
The Minister highlighted that with over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, the nation’s youthful energy and creativity are already driving transformation across sectors such as agriculture, health, education, renewable energy, and digital technology.
However, he also noted that young innovators face significant barriers, especially limited access to finance and market opportunities.
The Role of the Youth Innovation Funfair
According to Olawande, the Youth Innovation Funfair—organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development—was specifically designed to bridge these gaps by connecting youth innovators with investors, partners, and mentors.
Commitment to Empowering Young Innovators
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to:
- Expanding access to finance for youth entrepreneurs
- Improving policies that promote youth-led enterprises
- Creating global exposure opportunities for young innovators
- Ensuring youth voices remain central in decision-making at all levels
“Let us leave here committed to empowering our youth to lead in achieving the SDGs, and to continue shaping our nation long after 2030,” Olawande urged. “Together, we can achieve the SDGs and go beyond.”