Haske calls for investment in youth for Nigeria's future

Businessman, politician, and development advocate Abdulrahman Haske believes that young people can lead economic growth, social change, and political change in Adamawa State, the Northeast, and Nigeria. He says this is possible if they have access to opportunities, skills, and leadership roles.

Mr Haske shared these views as a guest lecturer at the Dinner Lecture for International Youth Day 2026. The event was organized by the Office of the Adviser to the Adamawa State Governor on Youth Empowerment, together with the Adamawa State Government, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yola.

While discussing the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” Haske pointed out that even with different backgrounds, young people across Nigeria share similar dreams. These include quality education, good jobs, security, a sense of dignity, chances for entrepreneurship, and real participation in governance.

He described Nigeria’s youth population as one of its greatest strengths. But to unlock this potential, there must be focused investment, especially in areas facing developmental and security issues.

Focusing on the Northeast, Mr Haske talked about how conflict, poverty, displacement, and limited job opportunities hurt youth development. He cited data from UNICEF, which shows that around 2.8 million children in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States need education support in emergencies. Many schools are closed, and classrooms have been damaged or destroyed by conflict and insecurity.

Mr Haske said these numbers should serve as a wake-up call. The education crisis goes beyond just schools and affects employability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and long-term economic growth.

“For Adamawa, these are not just statistics. These are our communities, our children, and our future workforce. While we have made some efforts, we must admit that much more needs to be done. Every young person should have the chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

He emphasized that youth empowerment should move from just talk to real actions. Young people need quality education, digital and technical skills, mentorship, access to capital, technology, and markets.

“Young people need more than slogans about empowerment. We must create conditions where businesses can grow, innovation can thrive, and jobs can be created at scale,” Haske stated.

The entrepreneur called for a clear youth agenda for the Northeast. This agenda should connect education with skills acquisition, skills with employment, entrepreneurship with markets, and political involvement with real decision-making. He also stressed the need to rebuild schools and ensure steady access to education as key parts of sustainable development.

On governance, Mr Haske asked for more young people to be included in leadership and decision-making. “Young people should not just be gathered during elections. They must be empowered to participate, share ideas, and take leadership roles. Politics should be a platform for service, innovation, and problem-solving,” he said.

He recognized that while young Nigerians face different challenges, their goals are the same. “A young entrepreneur in Abuja may worry about finance and market access, while a young person in Adamawa may deal with displacement, insecurity, or disrupted education. Yet both want a fair chance to build a meaningful life,” he added.

Mr Haske urged the government, private sector, development partners, and community leaders to invest more in education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, digital skills, technical training, and the creative economy. He believes these investments will cut poverty and unemployment while helping young people to become drivers of development.

Speaking directly to young people, he encouraged them to not let their current situation define their future. “Keep learning. Keep building. Stay involved in your communities and prepare yourselves to lead. The future of Adamawa and Nigeria will be shaped by young people who are willing to innovate, create solutions, and serve,” Haske urged the youth.

Reaffirming that young people are an asset worth investing in, Haske called on leaders to move beyond just celebrating youth and focus on creating real opportunities every day.

“We cannot afford to lose another generation to poverty, insecurity, or lack of opportunity. The fact that 2.8 million children in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe still need emergency education support should push all of us to act quickly. Investing in our youth today is the best way to achieve inclusive growth, lasting peace, and sustainable development,” he concluded.