Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government is accelerating efforts to position young Nigerians at the centre of Africa’s digital finance revolution, as stakeholders gathered on Monday at the Empowering Nigerian Youth Through Solana Summit: Stablecoins Africa in Abuja.
The event drew policymakers, developers, and startup founders exploring blockchain opportunities for youth-driven innovation.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said Nigeria’s young population represents “the nation’s greatest strategic advantage” in the global digital economy.
“Over 50 percent of Nigerians are under 25. This is not a demographic burden; it is our strongest opportunity,” he told participants. “Our young people must not remain consumers; they must become creators and regulators in this new economy.”
Olawande outlined government-backed empowerment pipelines, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), Youth Cred Initiative, and Asset Credit Programme, which aim to expand access to digital skills, startup financing, and financial inclusion.
He also highlighted the Superteam Nigeria initiative, which recently showcased 13 youth-led digital finance ventures. Discussions included Startcoin, a blockchain-based concept focused on trust, transparency, and inclusive digital participation.
The minister said new government training programmes will prioritise blockchain development, cybersecurity, and digital finance literacy. “We are not merely discussing innovation — we are deliberately building it,” he added.
The summit concluded with a call to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors to expand Nigeria’s role in the global digital economy.
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