Nigeria's Most Valuable Resource is its Young People, Not Petroleum, Says NSITF Managing Director

Oluwaseun Faleye, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has emphasized the significance of Nigerian youths, describing them as the country's most valuable asset, surpassing mineral resources, infrastructure, and capital.

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This assertion was made by Faleye on Thursday during the 2026 Student Mentorship Summit, organized by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja, where he underscored the need to harness the energy, innovation, and potential of young people through guidance, support, and protection.

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Faleye, who was represented by his Technical Assistant, Dr. Dayo Alao, noted that Nigerian youths are the country's greatest asset, stating, "It is our people — specifically, our youth, energetic, innovative, and full of potential," and highlighting the importance of empowering them for national development.

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He advocated for a shift from dependency to self-reliance, encouraging youths to become job creators, innovators, and community leaders, and emphasizing the connection between social protection and youth development.

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Faleye explained that a protected workforce is a productive workforce, driving national prosperity, and noted that social security serves as a foundation for national development, rather than merely a safety net.

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The NSITF, under Faleye's leadership, has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding social protection coverage, ensuring workplace safety, and promoting decent work standards.

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Comrade Samson Ajasa, the NANS National Publicity Secretary, explained that the summit aims to bridge the gap between Nigerian youths and local and international opportunities.

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The 2026 edition of the summit, 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 held at Olabisi Onabanjo University.

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The student union body presented Faleye with the Social Protection Champion Award in recognition of his leadership at the NSITF.

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Faleye concluded by stating, "The future we desire for Nigeria will not happen by chance, it must be designed, built, and sustained."