Renewed Hope Is Not Rhetoric, Bagudu
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has stated that its Renewed Hope mantra is a deliberate strategy aimed at recovering lost economic opportunities and building a prosperous Africa.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, subsequently called on young Nigerians and Africans to take the lead in shaping a future defined by peace, inclusion, and prosperity.
The Minister made the call in Abuja on Thursday while delivering a goodwill message at the Youth Creative Conference on “Silencing the Guns, Tomorrow is Now.” The conference was hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development with the support of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Federal Government categorically stated that its mantra “is not a rhetoric — it is a deliberate call to reignite belief that we can recover lost opportunities, confront the future with courage, and build the Africa we deserve.”
Bagudu praised the conference as a timely platform to harness the energy and creativity of Africa’s youth toward shaping a continent defined not by conflict but by opportunity and innovation. He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns deeply with the conference theme, arguing that “silencing the guns” is not just about disarmament but about empowering youth to use their voices and creativity to reshape narratives that often misrepresent Africa.
The Minister challenged the youth to use their unique vantage point to change the continental narrative:
“From Senegal to Sudan, from Mali to Nigeria, too many communities face uncertainty. But you, our youth, have the power to rewrite the story. You can showcase the world’s hardworking men and women who rise before dawn to fish, farm, or trade. You can project the resilience, innovation, and dignity that define Africa’s real identity,” he said.
Senator Bagudu presented the Renewed Hope Ward Development Plan—a nationwide framework to map and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s 8,809 geographical wards—as a key part of this vision, noting that young people would be directly involved in creating value from their local environments.
“The easiest way to create wealth is to understand your environment and turn local opportunities into a business. Every ward has unique resources, and with your creativity, we can generate value that builds resilient communities and lasting peace,” the minister told the youth.
He also mentioned ongoing government efforts to assist young Nigerians through initiatives in the digital economy, agriculture, housing, consumer credit, and skills development, stating that current sacrifices are necessary to build a better future for upcoming generations.
Bagudu concluded with a direct charge to the youth: “You have more than we do—the ability to rewrite Africa’s story. Your voice matters, your creativity matters, and your courage matters. With your commitment, Africa can truly silence the guns and amplify the voices of hope and innovation that will shape our continent’s destiny.”
