Nigerian youths who make up a majority of the nation’s population of about 70 percent have been described as an asset that should be accorded dignity and support as human resources that drive economic growth and social development of the country. This was posited by Prof. Enase Okonedo, while speaking at the 2024/17th Anthony Cardinal Okogie Foundation (ACOF), annual lecture, with the theme, “Harnessing Nigeria’s youthful population as a tool for nation building”, organised by the Knights and Ladies of the Order of St. Mulumba recently at The Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to Okonedo, the youthful population could either be an asset or a burden, depending on how the people and nation effectively manage this significant group, calling on the country’s leaders to capitalise on the youth population through deliberate investments in education and job creation. On too much focus on university education which is available to about a third of those seeking admission, Okonedo advised that the majority of the youths should be trained in skills that enable them to create their own opportunities, and also become job creators.
She urged the government to support the entrepreneurial ventures of the young people, by making available funds for their businesses and not frustrate them with unrealistic collaterals, among other stringent requirements by financial institutions.
Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos on the occasion, noted that harnessing the youths for nation building would require education and skills development, youth employment and economic opportunities, active political participation and social responsibility. Archbishop Martins stated that education which is the starting point for the actions towards nation building should encompass skill acquisition for thriving in a global economy, adding that we need to transcend rote learning processes to a system that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
The Archbishop harped on existence of a society that allows for entrepreneurship and innovation, thereby providing youth employment and economic opportunities, as he said it is necessary for the youthful population to embark actively in political matters; one that should go beyond mere social media banter to involve real physical participation in electoral processes and leadership opportunities. For his part, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, represented by Rev. Fr. Theophilius Inegbeneboh, his Secretary thanked God for His grace and benevolence, as he decried the situation of things in the country, which he said is driven by greed, corruption, ineptitude and unholy alliances.
Cardinal Okogie said it is only when the youths are brought up properly with the right morals and frame of mind that they can become a veritable tool for nation building. Stating that the home is the nucleus of the society, where basic foundational virtues such as respect, honesty among others are formed, the Cardinal admonished parents and guardians to bring up their children in the right way as stated in Proverbs 22:6.
On the number of out-ofschool and unemployed youths, he called on the government and relevant MDAs to managing the affairs of the educational sector properly and ensure they churn out plans and ideas that will seek to achieve this goal rather than stifle the growth and development of our youths. Emphasising on character formation, ethical grounding, and deep sense of patriotism, the Cardinal asked that attention be paid to vocational and technical training, which are areas that have been overlooked over the years.
