Speaking as the Special Guest Speaker at the All Progressives Congress (APC) North West Youth Pally held in Dutse, Jigawa State, Idris said the President has demonstrated remarkable confidence in young Nigerians by entrusting them with key responsibilities and leadership roles across various sectors.
“From cabinet appointments to digital innovation and education reforms, young Nigerians are not just part of the story — they are the drivers of it,” he stated.
Highlighting major achievements, Idris listed the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦116 billion to over 620,000 students, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which has attracted nearly two million applicants in the drive to create three million digital and technical jobs nationwide. He also mentioned the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, under which one million Nigerians have been certified in 25 trades, with 25 percent already placed in training centres.
The Minister noted that the Rural Electrification Agency’s Energizing Education Programme is providing uninterrupted power supply to universities and teaching hospitals such as Bayero University Kano and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, thereby improving study and research conditions.
On economic reforms, Idris disclosed that the new Nigeria Tax Act, taking effect in January 2026, will exempt small businesses earning ₦100 million or less from company income and capital gains taxes, describing it as a measure to help young entrepreneurs reinvest in their businesses. He also cited the MSME Clinics, the $517 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, and Nigeria’s 400 percent Eurobond oversubscription as proof of renewed global confidence in the economy.
He added that Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List reflects the administration’s credibility and strengthened international standing.
Idris urged young Nigerians to reject fake news and divisive rhetoric, stressing the need to use their voices and platforms to promote unity and progress. “President Tinubu’s leadership is about giving every Nigerian, regardless of background, a fair opportunity to succeed,” he said.
The event was attended by the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar A. Namadi; the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Aliyu; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed; APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel; and other top government officials and party delegates from the North West zone.
