In a bold move to strengthen youth participation in politics and community development, Comrade Mustapha Salihu, National Vice Chairman (Northeast) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has officially launched a youth empowerment program targeted at hardworking and dedicated young people across the region, with Adamawa State taking the lead.
The initiative, unveiled in Yola, is designed to reward sacrifice, dedication, and loyalty to the party, while at the same time addressing the growing need to create meaningful opportunities for youths. According to Comrade Salihu, the program is both a recognition of the vital role of young people in society and a practical step to empower them to contribute more effectively to grassroots development.
Beginning in September, five (5) selected beneficiaries will each receive ₦5 million to support their business ideas, innovations, or community-focused projects. The scheme will expand progressively, with the number of beneficiaries doubling to ten (10) in October, and further increasing in the months ahead. This structured growth, Salihu explained, is intended to create a sustainable pipeline of empowered youths who will, in turn, empower others.
“This initiative is not just about financial support; it is about investing in the future, building loyalty, and giving our young people the tools they need to succeed. The APC believes in rewarding commitment and nurturing the next generation of leaders,” Comrade Salihu said.
Community leaders, party stakeholders, and youth organizations have hailed the program as historic, describing it as a visionary step that will inspire hope, foster unity, and consolidate the party’s structures at the grassroots. They noted that beyond its political significance, the scheme has the potential to reduce unemployment, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote social stability in Adamawa State and the Northeast as a whole.
Observers say the empowerment drive reflects Comrade Salihu’s long-standing commitment to youth development, social impact, and party growth. Many see it as a model that could be replicated across other geopolitical zones, thereby redefining how political leadership engages with young people.
As the program takes off, expectations are high that its beneficiaries will become catalysts for wider change, ensuring that the impact of this initiative is felt not only in the APC but across communities where opportunities are most needed.
Do you want me to make this more politically charged (emphasizing APC’s advantage ahead of 2027) or keep it balanced and community-focused for wider newspaper acceptance?
