President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that his administration has released over N570 billion to the 36 states to expand livelihood support for citizens across the country.
During his nationwide address on Sunday, the President reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to empowering youth by introducing student loans and other youth-oriented policies. He also cautioned young people against being manipulated to oppose the government.
Many Nigerians, especially the youth, have been protesting against the current administration’s policies, particularly urging President Tinubu to reverse his stance on fuel subsidies.
In his address, the President highlighted various ongoing efforts to alleviate the prevailing hardships in the country. He mentioned securing $620 million under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) program, aimed at empowering young people and creating millions of IT and technical jobs to make them globally competitive.
“These programs include the 3Million Technical Talents scheme. Unfortunately, one of the digital centers was vandalized during the protests in Kano. What a shame!
“In addition, we have introduced the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).
“Also, more than N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 nano-businesses are expected to benefit.
“Furthermore, 75,000 beneficiaries have been processed to receive our N1 million Micro and Small Business single-digit interest loans, starting this month. We have also built 10 MSME hubs within the past year, creating 240,000 jobs through them, and 5 more hubs are in progress, which will be ready by October this year.”
The President’s remarks come after Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State challenged Nigerians to ask their governors how they are spending the increased revenue from the federal government.
“Instead of just looking at the federal government, let the people hold every state governor responsible. What are you doing with the improved revenue you are getting? Until every state governor comes back and says we are doing this and that,” Sule said in an interview last week.