Governor’s Son Tells Seyi Tinubu Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has urged Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, to focus on providing sustainable empowerment for Bauchi youths rather than distributing handouts during his visit to the state.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Shamsuddeen appealed to Seyi Tinubu to prioritize job creation, business support, and digital skills training, such as cryptocurrency trading, instead of offering short-term relief in the form of food items.
Call for Sustainable Empowerment
Seyi Tinubu has been on a tour of northern states, engaging with communities and distributing relief materials, particularly as Muslims observe the Ramadan fast. He recently visited Yobe State to interact with young people. However, Shamsuddeen emphasized that Bauchi youths need long-term economic empowerment rather than temporary handouts.
“Please, when coming to Bauchi for the #RHYE, empower our youths with employment opportunities, Keke NAPEP (commercial tricycles), startup capital for businesses, ICT infrastructure, and training in cryptocurrency trading, among other initiatives,” he stated.
He further stressed, “Bauchi youths don’t need rice and food in nylon bags during Ramadan. Teach them how to fish rather than feeding them for a day. They are not beggars.”
Political Context
Governor Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has been a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He has particularly opposed the President’s tax reforms, arguing that they disproportionately affect the North’s economic stability.
The Bauchi governor has also had several political disagreements with the Presidency, leading to heightened tensions between both parties. His son’s remarks add another dimension to the ongoing political friction.
A Growing Demand for Economic Reforms
Shamsuddeen’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Nigerian youths who are increasingly demanding economic policies that prioritize job creation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation over short-term relief efforts. Many young people across the country have called for initiatives that promote financial independence and long-term prosperity.
As the President’s son continues his northern tour, it remains to be seen how his engagements will evolve in response to these growing concerns. Will there be a shift from handouts to long-term economic empowerment? The response from the Tinubu administration and Seyi Tinubu himself may shape the narrative of youth development policies in the coming months.
