The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D South West, has commended the Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his support of youth empowerment and economic independence during the recently concluded Student to CEO Entrepreneurship Summit in Akure, Ondo State.
The student body subsequently issued a challenge to elected and appointed public office holders across Nigeria to replicate those tangible investments in the lives of university students and young entrepreneurs within their respective constituencies.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday by the Coordinator of NANS South West, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, popularly known as Billioncodes, the association noted that the empowerment package provided at the summit represents the exact model of intervention required by Nigerian students.
The event, organized by Ondo Axis of NANS Joint College Council (JCC) under the theme “Unlocking the Economic Growth Potential of Ondo State Students”, saw the distribution of practical business equipment including industrial sewing machines, freezers, power generators and business tools designed to establish sustainable businesses.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Comrade Adeyemo, who personally attended the summit in Akure, noted that the empowerment packages went beyond traditional political rhetoric to offer direct and practical tools for trade.
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He highlighted that what was shown represented much more than the usual discourses associated with youth programs, but was presented as a tangible investment capable of helping young people start businesses, acquire productive independence and become employers of labor.
The student leadership emphasized that at a time when graduate unemployment and the high cost of starting a business pose serious challenges to young Nigerians, political engagement must go beyond courtesy calls, political meetings and temporary welfare packages. Students truly need access to skills, capital, equipment, mentoring and opportunities capable of transforming their economic circumstances.
NANS called on governors, ministers, senators, members of the House of Representatives, commissioners and chairmen of local governments across the South West and the nation to implement similar measurable interventions within their domains.
The coordinator noted that if each public office holder deliberately empowered a significant number of students and young entrepreneurs within their constituency each year, the cumulative effect on unemployment, productivity and economic development would be enormous.
The association also commended the executive leadership of NANS JCC Ondo Axis for prioritizing economic self-reliance and conceptualizing a program that places entrepreneurship at the center of student development.
Comrade Adeyemo urged student unions across the country to focus on constructive strategic partnerships that prepare university students for life after graduation, emphasizing that empowerment must remain practical, impact must be measurable and, ultimately, public service must improve lives.
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