As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s International Youth Day, President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerian youths of his optimum support towards achieving their full potentials.
The president gave this assurance in a statement via his verified X handle on Saturday to mark the 2023 International Youth Day.
Tinubu noted that the entire nation is standing behind the Nigerian youth as they pursue their various dreams.
He urged Nigerian youths to embrace the numerous challenges they encounter while chasing their dreams, stressing that they possess the capacity to light up Nigeria.
Tinubu stated, “As you celebrate this International Youth Day, know that you are not alone – the entire nation stands behind you, ready to champion your aspirations.
“Embrace the challenges, chase your dreams, be involved, and continue to be the beacon of hope that lights up our nation. Happy International Youth Day!”
Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), International Alert, and International Organization for Migration, have called on President Tinubu and State governors to urgently address rising unemployment, Japa Syndrome, kidnapping, restiveness, drug trafficking, organ sale, and other vices plaguing the country.
The call was made during a media conference to mark the IYD 2023.
The Executive Director, AYGF, Dr Arome Salifu, in an address read by other CSOs, pointed out that the challenges currently confronting young people threatens national development and cohesion, which some dangerous persons had taken advantage to recruit young people into kidnapping, drug trafficking, prostitution, organ harvesting, terrorism and banditry.
Salifu said: “As we stand on the threshold of embracing such a far-reaching and all-encompassing initiative, it is essential that we directly confront the formidable challenges presented to our youthful population within Nigeria.
“Notably, Nigeria’s current population stands at approximately 211 million, a statistic emphasized by the UNFPA’s 2022 report. Equally significant are the projections that anticipate potential increases to 264 million by 2030 and an astounding 300 million by 2036, as highlighted by the World Population Review (2022). In light of these projections, it is our duty to adopt a carefully formulated and expansive strategy aimed at harnessing the immense potential inherent in our youth demographic.
“Currently, a notable disparity exists, with a significant 60% of our population comprising young individuals who lack representation in crucial decision-making processes. This imbalance not only hinders their rightful participation but also fosters government distrust and mounting frustration among our youth.
“In tandem with these disparities, we must confront the stark fact that 86 million Nigerians, or 41% of our population, live in extreme poverty (World Poverty Clock, 2021). Equally concerning are the statistics on youth unemployment, which reached 42.5% in 2020, along with an underemployment rate of 22.8% (National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, 2022). Further analysis reveals that over 53% of our dynamic 151 million2 youth face unemployment, contributing to a staggering total of 80 million (National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria, 2022). This alarming situation not only perpetuates persistent poverty but also fuels the phenomenon of mass migration, also referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome’.
“Our Nigerian youth are not passive observers; they actively seek participation in policy formulation and decision-making processes that drive both personal and communal progress. Unfortunately, these aspirations often encounter barriers that prevent their involvement, despite their undeniable relevance. The new government, at all levels; federal and state inclusive, holds a pivotal role in spearheading a comprehensive drive to drastically reduce the pressing challenges of youth unemployment, mass migration, youth poverty, and the exclusion of young voices from policy-making processes”.
He, however, listed some panacea to the challenges youth are contending with in the country.
“By actively involving the youth in policy formulation, the government can tap into a wellspring of innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, thus shaping a narrative that resonates deeply with the aspirations of our society.
“This collaborative approach offers an unprecedented opportunity to establish a robust and forward-looking agenda. Through strategic investments in skills acquisition, job creation, and essential infrastructure development, the government can initiate a transformative ripple effect, effectively addressing youth unemployment, poverty, and the prevailing trend of mass migration.
“Guided by inclusive policy making, this integrated strategy has the potential to not only empower our youth but also steer Nigeria towards a prosperous and harmonious future.
“With Nigeria’s substantial youth population constituting over 70 per cent, there arises a compelling call for democratic participation and inclusive engagement. Recognizing the importance to shape the new Government’s agenda, Africa Youth Growth Foundation and International Alert supported by the European Union and International Organization for Migration are collaborating to create a platform for key decision makers and young people to collaboratively dialogue on youth inclusive development”, he said.