By Abdulbasid Musa / August 12, 2024 As we celebrate International Youth Day, we are reminded of the immense potential and critical role that young people play in the development and future of Nigeria. With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, the country is poised to harness the energy, creativity, and resilience of its youth to drive sustainable development and humanitarian progress. The Power of Youth in Shaping the Future Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. In a country as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria, young people have the power to influence significant transformation across various sectors, including education, healthcare, technology, and social justice. Their innovative spirit and adaptability are key assets in addressing the complex challenges that Nigeria faces, from economic inequality to gender-based violence and climate change. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stood at 42.5% in 2023. This staggering figure highlights the urgent need to create more opportunities for young people to contribute to the economy and society. By tapping into the entrepreneurial potential of Nigeria’s youth, the country can unlock new avenues for growth and innovation. Youth as Humanitarian Advocates In the context of humanitarian development, the youth of Nigeria hold a unique position. They are often at the forefront of grassroots movements and community-driven initiatives that address local needs and challenges. Whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or entrepreneurship, young Nigerians are taking bold steps to improve the lives of those around them, particularly the most vulnerable. For instance, over 60% of volunteer organizations working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeast Nigeria are led by young people. These youth-led initiatives have been instrumental in providing relief and support to displaced communities, advocating for gender equality, and promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected areas. Their efforts not only provide immediate assistance but also foster long-term resilience and community empowerment. Education: The Foundation for Empowerment Education is a cornerstone of development, and it is crucial that Nigeria continues to invest in the education of its young people. By equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need, we can empower them to become active participants in the development process. Educated youth are better positioned to innovate, lead, and create solutions that address the humanitarian challenges facing their communities. However, data from the United Nations shows that 13.2 million Nigerian children, many of whom are adolescents, are currently out of school, with a significant portion in the northern regions affected by conflict. This educational gap represents a significant barrier to development and underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure that all youth have access to quality education. Programs that focus on vocational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship are particularly important, as they provide young people with the practical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Additionally, promoting access to education for girls and marginalized youth is essential in ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of national development. The Role of Youth in Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion Nigeria’s youth are also key to fostering peace and social cohesion in a country marked by ethnic, religious, and regional diversity. Young people have the ability to bridge divides and promote understanding and dialogue across different communities. By engaging in peacebuilding activities, youth can help mitigate conflict and contribute to a more stable and harmonious society. According to the Global Peace Index, Nigeria ranks 146th out of 163 countries, reflecting the ongoing challenges related to conflict and insecurity. Youth-led peace initiatives, such as the #NotTooYoungToRun campaign, which led to the reduction of the age requirement for political office, demonstrate the powerful role that young people can play in advocating for peaceful and inclusive governance. Moreover, youth are often more open to embracing new ideas and approaches, making them ideal ambassadors for change. Initiatives that encourage interfaith and intercultural dialogue, community service, and civic engagement are vital in building a more inclusive and peaceful Nigeria. The call to action: supporting youth-led initiatives To fully realize the potential of Nigeria’s youth, it is essential that we support and invest in youth-led initiatives. This includes providing access to funding, mentorship, and platforms where young people can voice their ideas and collaborate with others. Governments, NGOs, private sector organizations, and international partners all have a role to play in creating an enabling environment where youth can thrive. Furthermore, policies that prioritize youth employment, entrepreneurship, and participation in decision-making processes are critical in ensuring that young people are not just beneficiaries of development but are also active contributors to it. Conclusion: A Future Powered by Youth As we celebrate International Youth Day, let us recognize and honor the vital contributions that Nigeria’s youth are making to the country’s development. Their passion, innovation, and commitment are driving forces that will shape a brighter and more prosperous future for all Nigerians. Empowering youth with the resources, opportunities, and support they need is not just an investment in their future; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria. Together, we can create a nation where every young person has the chance to realize their full potential and contribute to the humanitarian development that will uplift communities and transform lives across the country. Source: Grow Strong Foundation

What Is Youth Empowerment Youth empowerment is certainly a hot topic in Nigeria, and this topic has been gaining momentum globally. Youth empowerment is crucial for the growth and development of any society or nation and should be taken seriously. However, what is youth empowerment? What benefits does youth empowerment contribute to a society or nation? Why is it important for a country to empower its youths to reach their full potential?  Stay with me and read to the end as we journey together into this topic to empower our youth and create a better future.  What Is Youth Empowerment? Youth empowerment refers to the process of giving young people the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to take control of their lives and shape their futures.  This includes providing education, support, and access to resources and decision-making power so that young people can actively participate in creating a better future for themselves and their communities.  Empowerment of youth can lead to a reduction in poverty, an increase in economic growth, and a stronger society. Examples Of Youth Empowerment  In summary, youth empowerment is a multifaceted process that seeks to equip young people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to become active and responsible citizens, capable of shaping their own lives and contributing to the well-being of their communities. Benefits Of Youth Empowerment 1. Reduction In Crime Rate Poor education, poverty, and unemployment are major reasons why youths engage in crime and violence. With these factors, a high level of criminal activities will always occur in society.  However, youth empowerment can lead to a reduction in crime rate as it provides young people with opportunities, resources, and support to make positive life choices and to become productive and responsible members of society. When young people have access to education, employment, and other resources, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities and are more likely to become productive members of society. FIND OUT: 8 Important Skills Set You Should Have Before Graduation 2. Eradication Of Poverty Poverty eradication is one of the most significant benefits of youth empowerment.  Empowering young people can help to eradicate poverty in several ways. By providing education and job training programs, young people can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to obtain well-paying jobs and become financially independent. That, in turn, can improve their standard of living and help them escape poverty. Additionally, when young people are involved in community development projects and are encouraged to start their businesses, they can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.  That can help to reduce poverty in their communities and create a virtuous cycle of economic development. 3. Creation of Employment Empowering the youth will lead to the creation of new employment opportunities. By providing education, resources, and job training programs, young people can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to obtain well-paying jobs and become productive members of society. When the youth are empowered and encouraged to become entrepreneurs and start businesses, it will lead to the development of new products and services, the introduction of new and innovative technologies, and the growth of new markets. With this, young people can create job opportunities and add to the economic growth of the nation. 4. Increased Political Engagement When young people are empowered, they become more politically active and engaged, leading to a more informed and participatory democracy. READ ALSO: Lucrative Skills To Learn As A Student (in Nigeria) 5. Increased Innovation and Creativity Empowered youth are often more innovative and creative, which helps to generate fresh ideas and solutions for societal problems. 6. Improved Global Citizenship  To address global concerns and promote a more peaceful and sustainable world, youth empowerment enables young people to recognise their place in it and take appropriate action. 7. Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem  Empowered young people make better decisions and have greater independence because empowerment increases their self-esteem and confidence. News Flash: The New EduPadi JAMB has been launched. This app contains JAMB past questions and answers and other super cool features and information that guarantee success in your upcoming JAMB UTME Exam. It is now available for download on Google Play Store. Source: Edupadi