President Tinubu Urges Nigerian Youths Abroad to Return for Economic Opportunities

 President Tinubu Urges  Nigerian Youths Abroad to Return for Economic Opportunities

RALD NEWS MEDIA Reports: President Tinubu Urges Nigerian Youths Abroad to Return for Economic Opportunities

In a bid to tackle economic challenges and boost job opportunities for Nigerian youths, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has passionately urged young Nigerians residing as irregular immigrants in various countries to come back home. This appeal took place during the annual National Dialogue on Migration (NDM) at the Banquet Hall of the presidential villa in Abuja, coinciding with the 2023 edition of International Migrants’ Day.

Represented by the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, President Tinubu reiterated the central focus of his administration's Renewed Agenda—to spread economic prosperity, particularly to the youth and vulnerable populations. This plea aligns with the global observance of December 18th as International Migrants Day by the United Nations General Assembly.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by migrants, the President emphasized the theme of this year's Dialogue, "Leveraging on Youth Migration for National Development." Expressing concern about the recent increase in youth migration outside Nigeria, especially among skilled individuals, President Tinubu stressed the need to prevent the loss of critical human capital to perilous journeys.

Affirming the government's commitment to changing this narrative, President Tinubu highlighted social and economic policies aimed at improving general welfare, reducing extreme poverty, and generating employment for young graduates. He encouraged graduates to utilize government programs, particularly those promoting small and medium enterprises, while emphasizing ongoing state-level initiatives focused on job creation.

The President called on all Nigerians to collaborate with the government in building a prosperous economy, envisioning a country where citizens have no reason to migrate through irregular means.

During the event, Hon. Aliyu Ahmed Tijani, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, disclosed that the Commission successfully assisted in the reception of 4,500 voluntary and repatriated migrants. Notable figures, including representatives of the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, German Ambassador, EU Representative, and Development Partners, echoed support for President Tinubu's stance on irregular migration.