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The Neo-Black Movement of Africa Worldwide (NBM of Africa) has emphasised the importance of sustained youth engagement as a critical strategy in combating the rising economic hardships across the nation. During the recently concluded regional summit in Lagos, themed “Youth Engagement: A Panacea to Eradicating Economic Hardship,” NBM Regional President, Mr. Lawrence Okonye, called for innovative approaches to integrate youth into the solution-making process for Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Okonye highlighted economic instability, unemployment, and social inequality as some of the most pressing issues currently affecting the region. He stressed that youth involvement in shaping solutions is crucial for long-term success. “Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant and dynamic youth population, full of talent, creativity, and resilience,” Okonye stated, emphasizing that the energy and innovative spirit of the youth are invaluable assets that must be harnessed.
He underscored NBM’s commitment to creating platforms that nurture these qualities, providing young people with opportunities to thrive. According to Okonye, the government must build bridges between education and employment, policy and practice, and aspirations and achievements. He believes that by doing so, Nigeria can create a robust ecosystem that supports youth at every stage of their journey, from education to entrepreneurship and employment.
“There is a need to move beyond conventional solutions and embrace bold, transformative ideas,” Okonye said. “Together, we can pave the way for a Nigeria where economic hardship is a thing of the past, and where every young person has the opportunity to realize their full potential.”
Supporting Okonye’s message, NBM National President, Olorogun Kakor, urged youths to take an active role in nation-building. He praised the summit’s theme as highly relevant, given the current economic challenges in Nigeria. “This theme is particularly timely as Nigerians are grappling with significant economic hardships,” Kakor remarked. He encouraged participants to engage deeply with the critical issues raised during the summit.
In his keynote address, legal luminary Mr. Hope Aliu reiterated the pivotal role that youth engagement in entrepreneurship and innovation can play in alleviating economic hardship. He pointed out that youth-led startups often address unmet needs and market gaps, contributing to the creation of new industries and driving economic growth.
“Governments and organizations that support youth entrepreneurship through grants, mentorship programs, and incubation centers can harness this potential to stimulate economic growth and reduce hardship,” Aliu said. However, he acknowledged the challenges that hinder youth engagement, such as lack of access to resources, limited opportunities, and systemic inequalities. Aliu stressed the need for targeted policies that provide equitable access to education, training, and employment opportunities.
“Youth engagement efforts should be inclusive, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences,” he continued. “By ensuring inclusivity, society can benefit from a wider range of perspectives and solutions, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of youth-driven initiatives.”
Another legal expert, Mr. Kelvin Agbroko, expressed concern over the government’s failure to adequately empower the youth, which has led to the rapid escalation of social problems. He emphasized that the socio-economic environment in Nigeria has been detrimental to youth development, with a lack of job opportunities contributing to a growing threat.
“The dearth of jobs has created a very serious and growing threat to the youth. This has been lingering for an age now without any meaningful remedial effort by the government and other stakeholders to address the trend,” Agbroko said. He called for improvements in functional literacy levels by facilitating qualitative educational attainment through bursaries, scholarships, and student loans.
Mr. Olayemi Ajiboye, another speaker at the summit, highlighted the importance of youth involvement in various sectors, including physical involvement, political participation, social engagement, and business/entrepreneurship. “Youths are crucial to eradicating economic hardship as they make up the larger percentage of the population in any economy,” Ajiboye noted.
The summit concluded with a resounding call for greater investment in youth engagement and empowerment as a solution to the country’s economic challenges. NBM’s leadership emphasized that the future of Nigeria hinges on the nation’s ability to harness the potential of its young population, ensuring that they are active participants in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future.
