(DDM) – A youth delegation under the Nigerian Youth Ambassadors for Change Initiative has held a strategic engagement with former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, focusing on youth empowerment, leadership, and national development.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) confirmed that the group, led by Comrade Peter, paid a courtesy visit aimed at fostering dialogue on education, governance, and the future of Nigerian youths.
During the meeting, Amaechi made a strong commitment to educational reform, declaring that every Nigerian child must have access to schooling regardless of financial background.
He stated, “We will make sure that all children go to school,” emphasising education as a fundamental pillar for national growth and stability.
Amaechi further referenced his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, where he implemented policies centred on affordability and accessibility in education.
According to him, “When I was governor, the principle was affordability and accessibility,” noting that efforts were made to expand access to public schools and reduce financial barriers.
The former governor, who served Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, is widely known for initiating key infrastructure projects, reforms in the education sector, and improvements in public service delivery.
He later served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023, during which he oversaw major railway modernisation projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines.
His tenure at the federal level was marked by efforts to revive Nigeria’s rail transport system and expand connectivity across regions.
Amaechi has also been a prominent figure in national politics, having previously served as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, where he played a key role in intergovernmental coordination and policy discussions.
Observers note that his political career has been defined by strong positions on governance, institutional reforms, and national development.
The youth delegation commended his remarks on education, describing them as timely given the rising number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
They stressed that challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and limited access continue to affect the education sector.
The engagement also explored broader issues including youth inclusion in governance, job creation, and leadership development.
Participants emphasised the need for policies that empower young people with skills, innovation, and opportunities for economic participation.
Analysts say such engagements reflect increasing political awareness among Nigerian youths and their willingness to demand accountability from leaders.
They add that education remains central to national development, making commitments from influential figures highly significant.
As discussions continue, attention remains on how such promises will translate into actionable reforms capable of transforming Nigeria’s education system and empowering future generations.
