By Atoyebi Nike
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, pursue big dreams, and excel in diverse fields, assuring them of his administration’s backing through policies and financial support.
Speaking in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, Tinubu said: “You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high.”
The President highlighted the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said has already supported about 510,000 students across 228 institutions, with N99.5 billion in tuition loans and N44.7 billion in upkeep allowances disbursed.
He also pointed to Credicorp, which has granted N30 billion in affordable loans to 153,000 Nigerians for vehicles, solar power, digital devices, and housing. In addition, the YouthCred scheme has begun providing NYSC members with consumer credit to support resettlement.
Tinubu acknowledged the rising cost of living and inflation but stressed that reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda were necessary to prevent economic collapse. He pledged that resources saved through tough policies would be directed toward food security, education, electricity, and community safety.
“My message on this 65th Independence anniversary is one of hope and action,” Tinubu said. “We must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers.”
