By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
Stakeholders on youth development have called for a shift from awareness to action that prioritizes engagements to empower youth to drive positive change for a sustainable future. They also maintained that conversation regarding the sustainability of the future cannot be heard without youth inclusion.
The call was made at the commemoration of the International Youth Day, in Abuja, with theme; “From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth In Nigeria for the SDGs”.
The theme highlights the pivotal role that young people play in shaping a world that is not only prosperous but also sustainable for future.
Speaking, the Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, John Makina, stressed that providing young people with quality education that promotes sustainable principles, will enable them prepare for the challenges ahead and become active agents of change.
“The Youth need to be empowered. Franklin D. Roosevelt says “We cannot always build the future for our Youth, but we can build our Youth for the Future”. Empowerment is one of Oxfam’s core values we believe empowering youths for a sustainable future means equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. It means fostering a sense of agency and ownership over their futures, enabling them to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for policies and practices that prioritize environmental stewardship and social justice. Young people today are already leading the change. Their voices are loud and clear, and their actions are resonating across borders. But to achieve real sustainability for the future of Nigeria as a nation, we cannot empower youth in isolation. It requires a collective effort from governments and policymakers to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Mr. Makina, emphasized that Investment in youth entrepreneurship and innovation is also crucial.
“A popular saying that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow but I dare to say they are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. One Greek Philosopher, Diogenes says “The foundation of every State is the Education of its Youth”. By supporting young entrepreneurs who are developing sustainable solutions to local and global challenges, we can unlock new opportunities for economic growth while safeguarding our natural resources. If we are intentional on the implementation of the National Youth Policy this will be a walkover for us. Most importantly, fostering inclusive and participatory decision-making processes ensures that young people have a seat at the table where policies are formulated and decisions are made. To the young people listening today, please know that your potential is limitless. So seize every opportunity to make a difference, challenge the status quo, and inspire others to join you on this journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future”. He said
Nigeria’s Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim who was represented by her Special Adviser Mr. Chigozie Okpara, while reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to creating enabling environment for youth to thrive, urged young people to collaborate with the ministry to achieve more meaningful growth.
“President Tinubu’s strategic appointments of young Nigerians to key positions within the government underline the belief that our youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today. The policies of president Tinubu have laid the groundwork, but it is up to you, the youths of Nigeria to seize these opportunities and carve out your place in history. My call to action to you today is simple yet profound. Be bold, be innovative and take full advantage of the multiple opportunities created by the president’s policies. This is your moment to rise, to lead, to create industries and solutions that will not only address today’s challenges but will also define the future of our great nation”.
According to the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiative, Titilope Gbadamosi, the approach to youth development has gone beyond awareness to actions.
“It is vital young people are aware and take advantage of the different initiatives rolled-out by different MDAs that align with the SDG goals”. We have launched new initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities, vocational training and entrepreneurial skills among young people through vigorous and rigorous evaluations. As we move from awareness to action, it is important Nigerian youths understand that these initiatives and goals work hand in hand, as we commemorate the IYD. I urge Nigerian youths to seize the opportunities before them, to participate actively in the initiatives government has rolled-out for them and contribute to building more sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.”
In a similar vein, the Executive-Director, Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, Joshua Alade, urged Leaders at all levels not to neglect the little contribution of the youth as it would help in National development.
“We are not just here to talk about SDGs, but to take action and make progress. It is also an opportunity to look at the summit of the future happening in September. The perfect time for us to hold government, private sector and International organisations accountable to supporting youth leadership is now. This is about the world that we want, the world we want to inherit and more importantly, how we can ensure young people are involved in this process,” he said.
The event organised by Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, Oxfam in Nigeria, African Activists for Climate Justice, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, International Labour Organisation, Amnesty International Nigeria, Aid for Rural Education Advancement Initiative and Connected Development, highlighted other events such as panel discussions, Award presentation to youth for their contributions to National development and cultural display.
