In a bold statement that has ignited nationwide discussion, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina declared that Nigerian youths do not need “empowerment” or government freebies; they need real opportunities.
His remarks, made during a recent leadership forum, have drawn praise and criticism as young Nigerians grapple with record unemployment and economic hardship.
Speaking at the event, Adesina argued that the narrative around youth “empowerment” is flawed. He said, “we keep saying we need to ‘empower the youth.’ No! Nigerian youths do not need empowerment—they need investment. They don’t need handouts; they need access to capital, skills, and infrastructure to create jobs themselves.”
His comments come at a time when 42.5% of Nigerian youth are unemployed (NBS Q3 2023), and government programs like N-Power and Trader Moni, while well-intentioned, have failed to provide sustainable solutions.
Supporters argue that endless “empowerment schemes” are political gimmicks, not real solutions. Critics say his stance ignores systemic barriers like corruption, poor education, and lack of government support.
“He’s right—we don’t want ₦30k stipends. We want loans, stable electricity, and policies that help businesses grow,” says Tunde, 27, a Lagos-based tech entrepreneur.
But others, like student activist Amina, disagree: “How can we ‘create jobs’ when banks won’t lend to us without collateral? The system is rigged against us.”
The Data: Why “Empowerment” Programs Keep Failing
N-Power, Nigeria’s largest youth employment initiative, has only placed 500,000 out of 5 million applicants since 2016. Access to capital remains a nightmare—less than 5% of Nigerian SMEs get bank loans due to high interest rates (CBN).
What Should Be Done? Adesina’s Alternatives
The AfDB president proposed concrete steps:
- Massive investment in agro-industries to create millions of jobs.
- Venture capital funding for young innovators, not just political “training workshops.”
- Policy reforms to make it easier to start and run businesses.
The Big Question: Can Nigeria Move Beyond Tokenism?
While Adesina’s message resonates with many, the real challenge lies in execution. Will governments and corporations step up, or will Nigerian youths continue to rely on unsustainable palliatives?
“We don’t need another ‘youth summit’ where politicians just take photos with us. We need real change—or we’ll keep ‘Japa-ing,’” Joy, a Software Developer, told NIJInsights
Do you agree that Nigerian youths need investment, not empowerment? Or is Adesina overlooking the role of government support?
You can share your thoughts in the comment below.
