A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA

There are currently over 72 million youths (between 18 – 35 years) in the Nigeria. Thus, youth, more than oil, could be Nigeria’s asset in the following decades.
The Nigerian Government recognizes the important role of the youth in Nigeria’s overall development, and is creating strategic implementation in key areas such as Education and Skills Development, job Creation and Infrastructure, and Health Programs.

On May 29th 2014 (Democracy Day), The Nigerian Youths had the opportunity to interact directly with the President, asking questions, sharing comments and discuss development in Nigeria at the Abuja International Conference Centre in an event tagged “A day with young leaders of Nigeria” to mark the nation’s Democracy Day. The social media was not left out as a channel was open for people to ask through the #AskGEJ.

President Goodluck Jonathan got three made in Nigeria models of Nissan vehicles in commemoration of the Nation’s Democracy Day.
The vehicles said to have been produced at the Stallion Nissan Motors Plant located on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway included a Nissan Patrol SUV, Nissan Almera (Sunny) Saloon Car and a Nissan NP 300 Pick-Up. The Stallion’s automobile facility in Lagos is targeting to produce 45,000 vehicles annually.
The Chairman of Stallion Group, Mr. Sunil Vaswani, made the presentation to the President at the event.
Vaswani said the vehicles were of global standards technologically and were produced in Nigeria in accordance with the Federal Government’s new Automotive Policy.

He commended the government’s automotive policy, describing it as a historic step towards industrial and economic rejuvenation.
According to him, “We are grateful for implementing this initiative which is part of the Federal Government’s seven point agenda to attract Foreign Direct Investments and emancipate the dormant sectors of the economy.
“The evolution of automotive manufacturing sector in Nigeria would not only encourage more FDIs but stimulate industrial clusters such as original equipment manufacturers that include steel plants, glass manufacturers, aftermarket shops and transportation service providers leading to job creation and contributing significantly to the GDP.
“The current population of Nigeria can convincingly support more than half a million vehicles annually which is more than sufficient to sustain an emerging automotive industry.”

As part of activities marking the 15th anniversary of democratic rule in the country, Minister of Youth, Mr. Boni Haruna, had told a gathered audience at the event that President Goodluck Jonathan had granted amnesty to members of Boko Haram. He also said series of integration programmes had been lined up for members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.

Other side attractions included a video presentation of the Nigeria Centenary Theme Song, a musical performance by Darey Art Alade and a Lunch and Interactive Session between Youths and Key officials.
The Event was attended by Youth Delegates from all over the Country, including about 70 FCT corps members.