The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, has intensified conversations around youth inclusion and national development, declaring that Nigeria’s future prosperity depends largely on the country’s ability to empower and engage its young population.
Danladi-Salihu made the remarks during a strategic visit to the National Youth House in Abuja, where he met with youth leaders and stakeholders to discuss pathways for strengthening youth participation in governance, economic development, and public leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The visit formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between political leaders and youth organisations as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.
Speaking during the engagement, the Kwara APC governorship candidate emphasized the need for deliberate policies capable of expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, noting that the country’s demographic advantage can only translate into meaningful development if youths are adequately empowered through education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and political participation.
According to him, young Nigerians represent the nation’s greatest asset and must be positioned at the centre of policy formulation and implementation.
He stressed that beyond electioneering, governments at all levels must prioritize programmes that create jobs, improve access to quality education, strengthen vocational training, and provide platforms for youth-led innovation.
Danladi-Salihu noted that Nigeria’s growing youth population presents enormous opportunities for economic transformation, provided the right investments are made in human capital development.
The Speaker further underscored the importance of involving young people in governance and decision-making processes, arguing that sustainable development requires the active participation of those who will inherit the future.
He maintained that the aspirations and concerns of Nigerian youths must be reflected in government policies, development plans, and political structures.
During discussions at the National Youth House, participants reportedly examined issues ranging from youth unemployment and skills development to political representation, civic engagement, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
Stakeholders also explored ways of strengthening collaboration between government institutions and youth organisations to ensure that public policies respond effectively to the needs of young Nigerians.
Danladi-Salihu reiterated his commitment to advancing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic growth, describing young people as critical partners in nation-building.
He noted that Nigeria’s development goals cannot be achieved without unlocking the creativity, innovation, and energy of its youthful population.
The visit also highlighted growing efforts by political actors to engage directly with youth constituencies as conversations around governance, economic reforms, and democratic participation continue to shape the national discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers say the engagement reflects increasing recognition of the strategic role young people play in determining electoral outcomes and influencing policy directions across the country.
For many participants, the meeting represented more than a political consultation. It was viewed as an opportunity to advance discussions on creating a more inclusive governance framework that empowers young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development.
As preparations gradually gather momentum toward the 2027 general elections, the call for stronger youth participation, leadership opportunities, and inclusive governance is expected to remain at the forefront of national conversations.
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