Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged young Nigerians to remain focused, hardworking and committed to personal development, saying education, innovation and entrepreneurship can help them realise their ambitions and contribute to national progress.
She made the call on Wednesday in a message marking International Youth Day 2026, observed globally on Wednesday, August 12, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The First Lady said the theme reflected the common hopes shared by young people despite differences in their backgrounds, experiences and circumstances.
“Although young people come from diverse backgrounds and face different circumstances, they share common aspirations for quality education, meaningful employment, equal opportunities, and a more sustainable future.”
Tinubu encouraged Nigerian youths to take advantage of available opportunities while investing in their skills and personal development.
She urged them to deploy education, creativity and entrepreneurship as tools for achieving their goals and making a positive contribution to society.
“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, ” she said.
She also called on government, institutions and society at large to intensify efforts to create an environment where young people can develop their talents and participate meaningfully in national development.
According to her, empowering young people should remain a shared responsibility, given their importance to Nigeria’s present and future.
“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 said.
Tinubu extended her goodwill to Nigerian youths and young people across the world as they marked the 2026 International Youth Day.
