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- … urged to quit sitting on sidelines
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nigerian youths have been challenged to participate in the governance system of Nigeria, stressing that sitting on the sidelines would not solve the socioeconomic and political challenges that have been responsible for the country’s slow pace of development.
Henry Ifeanyichukwu Njoku gave the charge in Abuja, in a Keynote address delivered at the two-day conference organised by the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) on the theme “Securing our future: the role of Nigerian youths in curbing social vices and building a safe, prosperous nation.”
The conference which was attended by representatives of the ICPC, DSS, Chief of Defence Staff, and youth and student groups, among others, witnessed presentations of papers and other discussions on how to enhance youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Chief Njoku, in his presentation, noted that Nigeria is a nation blessed with enormous human and natural resources, but like many other growing societies, the country is not without challenges, notably, security threats, unemployment, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and social unrest, to name a few.
“Sadly, the brunt of these challenges falls heavily on the youth who make up over 60 per cent of the country’s population. A nation with such a demographic advantage should be thriving. But what do we see? Many of our young people are disillusioned, frustrated, or even angry. Hence, many have gone into crime.
“Social vices such as cultism, internet fraud, drug abuse, banditry, are simply the symptoms of a deeper national illness: a breakdown in values, a collapse of mentorship, and a lack of inclusive economic opportunities.
“We can not simply police our way out of insecurity, but we must strongly create a pathway of inclusion and empower our youth with dignity. Security is not just the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope,” he said.
He advised the “disgruntled” youths to skillfully turn their frustrations into innovation, pain into purpose, and challenges into change.”
He, however, shared three things that every youth must embrace to remain relevant in the 21st-century world that is driven by technology.
“Firstly, in this digital age, skills pay the bills. Degrees are good, but skills are better. Vocational training, agribusiness, renewable energy, tech, fabrication, and creative arts are industries that don’t wait for government jobs. These are fields that have market demand locally and globally.
“Secondly, character is capital. It means that no amount of success can substitute for integrity. Cultism, cybercrime, and drug trafficking are short roads to ruin. No nation grows when its youth are trapped in vice. The time has come for a value reset. Restore a culture of honesty, respect for life, hard work, and national pride.
“Thirdly, be a participant and not a spectator. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Engage with policy. Vote. Speak out against injustice. Build businesses that employ others. Join cooperatives. Mentor those coming behind you. Let your energy not be a tool for violence, but a force for vision.”
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, in his remarks through a representative, appreciated YAN for their commitment to the cause of building Nigeria.
He highlighted some of the windows created by the Ministry to ensure that the youths benefit from several interventions designed to create wealth and empowerment.
YAN Speaker, Hon. Famuyibo Oluwasegun, in his speech, noted that the theme of the conference was not only timely but critical in the collective national discourse.
“It reflects a transition that demands that we, the youth, move beyond rhetoric to responsibility, beyond lamentation to leadership, and beyond the sidelines to centre stage in shaping the future of our country, which stands at a crossroads.
“While we contend with issues of insecurity, economic hardship, and socio-political instability, we must also acknowledge the tremendous potential that lies within our youthful population, energetic, innovative, resilient and hopeful.
“But hope alone is not a strategy. We must translate our energy into enterprise, our innovation into institution-building, and our voices into viable, value-driven leadership. This conference is not a mere talk shop; it is a mobilisation ground, a leadership crucible, and a national awakening.
“As young people, we must actively engage in civic and democratic processes. Serve as peace ambassadors within our communities.
Refuse to be used as agents of violence, misinformation or destabilisation. Champion security is not just of borders but of values, minds, and opportunities.”
