Youths, not oil, Nigeria’s greatest asset — NSITF MD

2026-03-27 - 00:52

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA — The Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has declared Nigerian youths as the country’s greatest asset, surpassing mineral resources, infrastructure, and capital. Faleye made the remark on Thursday while speaking at the 2026 Student Mentorship Summit organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja. He stressed that the energy, innovation, and potential of young people must be guided, supported, and protected. “In Nigeria, our greatest asset is neither oil, nor infrastructure, nor even capital. It is our people — specifically, our youth, energetic, innovative, and full of potential,” he said. Represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Dr. Dayo Alao, Faleye argued that youth empowerment is essential for national development. He urged a shift from dependency to self-reliance, emphasizing the need to inspire youths to become job creators, innovators, and community leaders. Highlighting the link between social protection and youth development, Faleye said, “A protected workforce is a productive workforce, and that drives national prosperity. Social security is not merely a safety net; it is a foundation for national development.” He reaffirmed NSITF’s commitment to expanding social protection coverage, ensuring workplace safety, and promoting decent work standards. Earlier, NANS National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Samson Ajasa, explained that the summit aims to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and opportunities locally and internationally. The 2026 edition, themed “Skybound Leadership: A Multi-Sector Approach to Youth Development in Tech, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Security, and Anti-Drug/Cybercrime Advocacy,” builds on the success of the maiden summit at Olabisi Onabanjo University. The student union body also presented Faleye with the Social Protection Champion Award in recognition of his leadership at the NSITF. Faleye concluded, “The future we desire for Nigeria will not happen by chance. It must be designed, built, and sustained.”