First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday urged young Nigerians to embrace hard work and perseverance as the surest routes to economic and social advancement, aligning her remarks with International Youth Day 2026.
In a statement marking the United Nations-designated day, Oluremi Tinubu invoked this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” saying that despite the varied backgrounds and challenges facing young people across Nigeria, their objectives—quality education, meaningful employment, equal opportunity and a sustainable future—remain shared.
“Today, on International Youth Day 2026, I join the global community in highlighting the significance of this year’s theme,” she said.
“I encourage our youth to remain focused and hardworking. Use education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship to pursue your dreams, fulfil your potential, and help build a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.”
Mrs. Tinubu also called on government agencies, the private sector and civil-society stakeholders to deepen efforts on youth empowerment by creating practical opportunities for skills development and employment.
“As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting and empowering young people by creating opportunities for them to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society,” she added.
The International Youth Day, a United Nations observance, is marked annually on 12 August to highlight youth participation and their contribution to sustainable development.
The First Lady’s comments come amid mounting pressure on the government to expand job-creation programmes and translate policy pledges into measurable outcomes for the country’s growing youth population.
