We’ll move youths from palliatives to prosperity – Atiku

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A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has promised to introduce a $100bn financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs if elected President.

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Atiku, who made the promise in a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, said young Nigerians need a government that creates opportunities for them to prosper rather than one that teaches them how to cope with economic hardship.

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He said the cost-of-living crisis had reduced the purchasing power of millions of Nigerians, weakened small businesses and made it increasingly difficult for young people to access jobs, capital and economic independence.

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“Nigeria’s young people do not need a government that teaches them how to survive hardship. They need a government that gives them the opportunity to prosper,” he said.

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According to him, his administration, if elected, will focus on restoring purchasing power, reducing the cost of living and deliberately expanding economic opportunities for young Nigerians.

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“My commitment is to change that. We will restore purchasing power, reduce the cost of living and deliberately expand opportunities for young Nigerians, including through a $100 billion financing programme for start-ups and entrepreneurs,” Atiku stated.

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The former Vice President said the objective was to move young Nigerians from dependence to enterprise and from unemployment to productivity.

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“Our objective is simple: move young Nigerians from dependence to enterprise, from unemployment to productivity, and from palliatives to prosperity,” he said.

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Atiku disclosed that he made the commitment while receiving a nationwide delegation of N-Power beneficiaries who visited him to declare their support for his presidential candidacy.

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He said he thanked the delegation for their confidence and assured them that Nigeria’s future could not be built through the distribution of poverty.

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“I reiterated that Nigeria cannot build its future by distributing poverty. We must build an economy that creates jobs, rewards enterprise and gives every young Nigerian a fair chance to succeed,” he said.

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Atiku, who is seeking the presidency ahead of the 2027 general election, said Nigerians faced a choice between maintaining an economy that he claimed was shrinking opportunities and building one capable of restoring hope, dignity and prosperity.

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“The choice before us is between continuing with an economy that shrinks opportunities and building one that restores hope, dignity and prosperity. We will make Nigeria affordable again,” he added.

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