Why Tinubu approved N10 billion youth fund for FCT

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved a N10 billion Youth Development Fund aimed at empowering young people in the FCT.

Wike made this disclosure on Monday during the inauguration of the upgraded War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja. According to him, the fund aligns with the current administration’s policy on youth empowerment and development.

He stated that the youth empowerment initiative, set to be launched on Thursday, reflects the administration’s focus on prioritizing the needs of women and youths. “It was Mr. President who established the Women Affairs Secretariat and the Youth Development Secretariat, appointing a young person to head the latter. This is unprecedented in the history of the FCT,” Wike said.

The minister highlighted that President Tinubu’s commitment to youth development led to the creation of the fund. “Mr. President has approved an initial N10 billion to kickstart the program and empower our youth,” he stated, adding that the amount had been included in the FCT’s supplementary budget.

Wike urged FCT residents, particularly the youth, to remain supportive of the Tinubu administration, expressing optimism about the future. “We are seeing signs that things will improve,” he noted.

In July, President Tinubu approved the establishment of the Youth Development Secretariat, appointing Abdullahi Ango as its pioneer Mandate Secretary in August. The move aims to institutionalize youth-focused policies and programs in the FCT.