Former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has commended President Bola Tinubu for policies he said are restoring the confidence of young Nigerians in the nation’s future.
Magu spoke at the National Industrial Manpower Summit 2025, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he praised the Renewed Hope Agenda for its focus on youth empowerment, skills development, and institutional strengthening.
“Through your Renewed Hope Agenda, you are giving the next generation a reason to believe again — and tonight, we say thank you,” Magu said in his Gala Night Speech made available to journalists on Sunday.
Highlighting the President’s reforms, he noted that Tinubu’s leadership is inspiring bold thinking, courageous reforms, and renewed national development efforts, adding that Nigerian youths are beginning to see a future for themselves within the country.
Magu pointed to examples of young Nigerians proving their resilience, from tech startups in Yaba to farms in Nasarawa, fashion hubs in Aba, and mobile app developers in Kaduna.
“Our youths are not weak. They are not lazy. They are not waiting to be rescued. They are ready to lead,” he declared.
While applauding Tinubu for galvanising young people, Magu warned that corruption remains the biggest obstacle to manpower development and national progress.
“When youths must pay bribes to get jobs, when contractors abandon training projects, when funds meant for empowerment end up in private accounts — then the bridge between potential and productivity begins to crack,” he said.
He urged Nigerian youths to embrace integrity and reject corruption, stressing that true leadership begins with character.
“You are the bridge. You are the ones who will take Nigeria forward — if you refuse to cut corners and if you choose integrity over impunity.”
Magu further called for collective efforts to protect systems that ensure fair opportunities, including transparent recruitment processes, efficient education spending, whistleblower protection, and recognition for integrity in both public and private service.
He concluded that Tinubu’s reforms, combined with the energy and commitment of Nigerian youths, could usher in a new era for the country.
“I believe in Nigeria. I believe in her youth. I believe the future is not far — it is here, it is now, and it is ours to shape,” he said.
