Bagudu charges youth to champion peace, innovation, prosperity

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has urged young Nigerians and Africans to take the lead in building a future defined by peace, inclusion and shared prosperity.

The minister made the appeal in Abuja on Thursday while delivering a goodwill message at the Youth Creative Conference themed “Silencing the Guns, Tomorrow is Now.”

The event was organised by the Ministry of Youth Development with support from the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Bagudu commended the initiative as a timely platform to harness the creativity, resilience and innovation of Africa’s youth in shaping a continent known for opportunities rather than conflict.

“The theme of this gathering resonates deeply with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Renewed hope is not rhetoric, it is a deliberate call to reignite belief that we can recover lost opportunities, confront the future with courage, and build the Africa we deserve,” he said.

The minister stressed that “silencing the guns” goes beyond disarmament, noting that youth can reshape global narratives about Africa by projecting the continent’s resilience, dignity and innovation.

“From Senegal to Sudan, from Mali to Nigeria, too many communities face uncertainty. But you, our youth, have the power to rewrite the story,” he said.

Highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering the next generation, Bagudu pointed to ongoing interventions in digital economy, agriculture, housing, consumer credit and skills development.

He also announced the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan, a nationwide initiative designed to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s 8,809 wards and ensure young people are directly engaged in wealth creation.

“The easiest way to create wealth is to understand your environment and turn local opportunities into businesses. Every ward has unique resources, and with your creativity, we can generate value that builds resilient communities and lasting peace,” he told the youth.

Bagudu concluded with a charge: “You have more than we do—the ability to rewrite Africa’s story. Your voice matters, your creativity matters, and your courage matters. With your commitment, Africa can truly silence the guns and amplify the voices of hope and innovation that will shape our continent’s destiny.”