ChristianAid Nigeria, a humanitarian and development non-governmental organisation, has advised the Nigerian government to include her youth at all levels and spheres of development.
The call is coming as the country office of the organization joins the global community to mark the 2022 International Youth Day, which also provides another opportunity to recognise the uniqueness of Nigeria youth and reiterate their pivotal role in nation building.
According to ChristianAid in a statement by its senior communications coordinator, Kehinde Afolabi on Friday, the Nigerian youths’ critical thinking ability and the untapped potential they possess cannot be overemphasized despite the marginalisation they face based on age and experience.
“Without the participation of youth in national development, ownership and sustainability of change interventions becomes unattainable.
“We cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without the concerted effort of all generations as we all must keep up with the global commitment of leaving no one behind,” Temitope Fashola, Country Director, Christian Aid (UK) Nigeria said.
Referring to the 2022 report of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which estimates that there are about 90 million unemployed young graduates, and a 51% projection of youth unemployment rate by 2023, as well as the 2019 general elections which had 34.2 per cent of young persons who contested for political offices but only 6.8 percent elected, ChristianAid posited that the age-related obstacles must be eliminated.
“These age-related obstacles must be eliminated as they deeply impact wellbeing and livelihoods during youth years and into adulthood, and as a society, it prevents us from thinking and designing policies that are fair for all ages.
“Investing in youth and other groups in social, political, economic, and other social structures is not only a human rights issue, but also for sustainable growth, peace, and development.
“Since 2003, Christian Aid Nigeria has worked with youth in its fight against poverty in Nigeria and understands that Nigerian youth are essential in providing solutions to some fundamental challenges facing the country.
“The organisation therefore urges all government parastatals, agencies, employers of labour, and custodians of culture to adopt a social inclusion strategy that will foster leadership, development, and meaningful participation of youth at all levels (economic, social, political, and cultural) and in all spheres (family, community, organisations, and religious institutions), thereby giving youth the voice to speak out against injustice.
“At Christian Aid, we prioritise inclusion, hence, the development of a robust youth engagement strategy that guides our youth development programs such as our youth internship and employability skills development.
“We will continue to promote youth participation and intergenerational collaboration as part of our commitment towards achieving social inclusion in Nigeria.
“As we mark this day, we stand in solidarity with all stakeholders, especially the youth, who are working endlessly to create a world for all ages!” the statement reads.
