N/ East youths’ innovative, resilience, greatest asset-Shettima says

By Daniel Oyakhire Iregbeyen, Maiduguri

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday commended the resilient and creative cultures of youths in the Northeast as  greatest asset to the country.

The vice president  stated this at the Northeast Creativity and Innovation Summit 2025 program, which was held in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

While speaking on  the theme, “Step out and Innovate”, Shettima assured that the federal government will invest in digital innovation to drive creativity among the youths in the  Northeast

He noted that addressing the gaps in youth development in Nigeria has gone beyond the conventional approach while suggesting the need for creative solutions.

Shettima who was represented by Comrade Mahmud Muhammad, Personal Assistant to the President on Domestic Affairs (Northeast), said, he was particularly encouraged by this year’s summit which focused on practical applications of innovation, from digital transformation and creative problem-solving to leveraging technology for social impact.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Federal Government recognise that the youth of the Northeast represent our greatest asset and our brightest hope. Your energy, your digital fluency, and your willingness to challenge established norms make you uniquely positioned to lead the transformation of our region

“Let me affirm that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through various initiatives and policies, is committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation to thrive in the Northeast. We are investing in digital infrastructure, reforming education to emphasise critical thinking and problem-solving, and establishing frameworks that support entrepreneurship and creative industries

“Our policies must create space for experimentation, tolerate failure as part of the learning process, and rapidly scale solutions that demonstrate impact. As we commemorate World Creativity and Innovation Day through this summit, let us remember that innovation is not just about technology or business models—it’s about the human capacity to envision a better future and work tirelessly to make it a reality”

“The Northeast has always been a land of resilience, resourcefulness, and rich cultural heritage. Now, it is poised to become a beacon of innovation and creativity. The path ahead will not be easy, but with the talent, determination, and collaborative spirit represented in this room, I have no doubt that we will succeed,” Shettima stated. 

He said many observers around the world wondered if the region would ever recover from over a decade of killings and destructions by Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP terrorists.

” In those darkest years, what remained unbroken was the spirit of innovation and creativity that has always defined our people” he said

He also emphasised that this summit places on youth engagement through pitch competitions, creativity showcasung, and innovation awards.

“These platforms not only recognise talent but also connect young innovators with the resources, mentorship, and investment opportunities they need to scale their ideas. 

He highlighted several transformative government programmes specifically designed to empower youth in the creative, technology, and innovation sectors.

Earlier in his welcome address,the convener and the Executive Director of Co- Dev Hub, Muhammad Bukar Umara, appreciated Vice President Shettima and all other partners in making the event successful.

He noted that the timely summit will change the old narratives by shaping the lives and futures of the youth in the region to cope with modern-day realities and development.

Also, Hadiza Abdullahi Shettima, first runner-up came from Potiskum Yobe State, received a cash prize of ₦150,000 for her innovation Green Solution—an IoT-powered, smart irrigation system transforming rice farming in Northern Nigeria, with a focus on empowering women and youth.

On behalf of Governor Mai Mala Buni, Dr. Mohammed Goje awarded Hadiza additional ₦300,000 and ₦100,000 to Mohammed Auwal Ahmad from Baimari, the two Yobe contestant who came 2nd and 3rd to encourage their brilliant contributions.