Engr. Yusuf Hussaini is the Director General of the Tinubu Presidential Ambassadors of Nigeria and Diaspora, and the deputy director of the Diaspora directorate of the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and in this interview he bared his mind on the political developments in the country, including his suitability for the vacant minister for youth development
Can you introduce and tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Engr. Yusuf Hussaini, i am the Director General of the Tinubu Presidential Ambassadors of Nigeria and Diaspora (TPAND) and was the deputy director of the diaspora directorate of the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). I am very keen about good governance and a greater youth in politics advocate, i have believe that much of our national problems can be solved by greater youth involvement in socio- political and economic governance of our great and beloved country, and i am surely that the future salvation of our country lies in the conscious realization of the power of the youths in nation building. Thank you
How do you see the President’s cabinet selection. Do you think the renewed hope cabinet can deliver on the expectations of Nigerians?
During the campaigns , the promise was a national government of adequate and fundamental capacity and we can see the start of it. We can see the massive restructuring and re-engineering going on, particularly starting with the fuel subsidy removal, the student loan policy among others, including the new foreign policy approach and alignments. Its no longer news that the president has a good eye for talents and we can see how this has reflected in the cabinet selection. The likes of Bosun Tijani, Dave Umahi, Oyetola, Nyesome Wike, these are experienced hands, tried, tested and proven. This are round pegs in round holes. They have what it takes to engineer a paradigm shift in our national socio – economic landscape. Our people are direly desirous of change and a paradigm shift and that is what the renewed hope campaign promised and his keen to deliver. I for, myself has been vindicated for standing by the president, judging by his long perceived character and attitude to work and the task at hand. Our country no doubt is at the threshold of a new chapter and by the grace of God, we will have much to celebrate at the end of his tenure.
The Nigerian youth demograph has long complained of marginalization, both politically and socially, do you think President Bola Tinubu has done enough to carry them along in the new administration?
I believe with the President every issues we the youths have will be addressed accordingly , we can see a handful of youthful appointments in his cabinet and we are hopeful many more will head other parastatals and agencies. My President is overly conscious of his historical role and historical duty to the Nigerian youth, so the youth question, i am sure has met its match. He is a listening president and has always worked with youthful minds, even nurtured them, especially judging by his political antecedent and ascendancy. So as the administration unfolds further, i expect to see more youth engagement in the government, more youth orientated programmes. So i expect more social, economic and political relief for the Nigerian youths. Surely this administration is forward looking and will carry the women and the youths along square, because it recognizes and emphasizes the crucial importance of this demography to the Nigerian project.
We know that the position of youth affairs or youth development minister is still vacant leading to renewed jostling by some stakeholders for that position. Why do you think you are the man for the job?
I am grateful that different groups across party lines are clamoring for me, it is indeed an honour. I will say it is because of the capacity they see in me and my doors have always been open to everyone. I have always advocated for the youths and in my own little way gone further to empower a lot of youths. I understand the youth factor extraordinarily. Its needs and requirements, politically and socially to be better citizens, to survive, to thrive and live an empowered and liberated life. I know what this historical moment demands of the Nigerian youths and that is the core philosophical assumption behind the establishment of the Tinubu Presidential Ambassadors of Nigeria and Diaspora (TPAND), with its focus on good governance and the role of the youths in good governance. I have a lot of ideas, inspiration and leadership dexterity that i can bring to the table. So i see myself as exceptionally qualified to be the minister of youth development in the renewed hope cabinet.
If successful what are your agenda for the office?
My agenda for this most important ministry of our national government is massive intricate and multi-dimensional but i will definitely collaborate with other ministries and agencies because the youths have to be integrated in all processes of development because we are the leaders of tomorrow and tomorrow is now. Collaboration with such important youths affiliated ministries and agencies such as sports, education, labour, digital technology and other related ones. We can do so much with them to empower the youths and even create millions of jobs if we’re creative and innovative enough. So much is possible if a creative and imaginative mind like myself his at the helm of affairs at such an important and pivotal ministry. I will also collaborate with other private players and key players of different industries to support the youth needs, creating spaces that will make the system very attractive so that the japa syndrome won’t be so prominent as it is now.
Do you think the North Central region and Kogi state in particular where you are from is well accommodated in the ensuing scheme of things in the APC administration?
Firstly I want to thank Mr President for what he has done so far as regards my dear state and geo- political region . The constitution of the Country stipulates that every state and region should be represented in the formation of the cabinet and he has done just that. Take Kogi state for example, the Minister from Kogi is in charge of the ministry of Steel which has been a long time agitation of the people from the North central because of the development it will bring to the region and the President being a man that listens has created that ministry and put a person from the North central in charge of the ministry. So the president seems to be sensitive in that regards, he mustered enormous votes from our state and geo- political region so he is no doubt conscious of his obligation to us, so more can still be done in terms of federal appointments and the likes, and i am hopeful that our geo- political region and state will see more presidential good will in that regard.
What do you think is the role of the Nigerian youth in the revival of national consciousness and national reorientation?
The youths hold and should play a fundamental role in the revival of our national consciousness and our national reorientation. No doubt the destiny of our country hangs on the shoulders of our youths and the Nigerian youths are ready to carry on the mantle, this i know through my constant interaction and conversation with them, the world is changing and the great body of the Nigeria youth must awaken to keep pace and take advantage of what the global times has to offer. So as minister of youth in that eventuality i will work towards massive reorientation of this very important and critical segment as a pathway to empowerment and self sufficiency, self awareness and common synchronistic national youth power and creativity manifestation.