Vice President Kashim Shettima recently stated that N8,000 can significantly impact the life of a young Nigerian with the right mindset and skills. The comment, made during an informal discussion on social media, has sparked debates on economic empowerment and the potential of small investments to transform lives.
Shettima, known for her youth empowerment initiatives as a former Governor of Borno State, stressed that resourcefulness is more important than money.
Nigeria’s large youth population is facing challenges of unemployment and underemployment, and Shettima’s announcement comes as the government explores policies to reduce poverty and promote economic opportunities for young people. The belief that a small amount of money can change lives is consistent with the entrepreneurial spirit that many Nigerians see.
Reactions on social media were mixed. Some users shared success stories of starting businesses with small amounts of money, while others criticized the statement, citing the economic reality that N8,000 may not be enough to cover basic needs.
Critics say that while the situation appears positive, systemic changes in education, market access and business support are needed to address the broader challenges facing Nigerian youth, especially in rural or conflict-affected areas.
