Young and Useful Engaging the Youth for a Prosperous Nigeria.
I. ABSTRACT
The future of every nation lies in its youths. But the nature of such tomorrow depends on how well their energies are harnessed. The dream of many youths for Nigeria is that in which the youths are productive and active participants in the drive for a prosperous nation. For their dreams to be achieved, they must have opportunities to develop their potentials and talents.
The world is experiencing a bulge in its youth population and as a result there has been a dearth of employment as the current labour market cannot accommodate the number of youths seeking employment. Of particular concern is that countless young people in developing countries like Nigeria will reach employment age within the next decade but the question is: Where is the employment opportunities?
Frustration in the search for livelihood heightens the attraction of youths to illicit activities manifesting in social instabilities we observe nowadays. In this essay I also discussed the social and economic consequences of youth unemployment in Nigeria whilst providing solutions through the ‘Young and Useful’ club. The club is a youth-led project that aims to resolve youth joblessness through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship while also seeking to turn youth advocates of social change by their active participation in community service. The club partners with the local community, organisations and government agencies to achieve its goals. It also seeks other financial measures at ensuring that access to funds which is a main obstacle to business start-ups by youths is tackled.
II. INTRODUCTION
People-centred and participatory approaches to development rightly ask questions about the role of young people in contributing to and driving societal advancement. How can their enormous potential be harnessed? How can young people be integrated into existing societal and economic structures, rather than being left out? Sheer numbers justify this concern; the world population now has
The future of every nation lies in its youths. But the nature of such tomorrow depends on how well their energies are harnessed. The dream of many youths for Nigeria is that in which the youths are productive and active participants in the drive for a prosperous nation. For their dreams to be achieved, they must have opportunities to develop their potentials and talents.
The world is experiencing a bulge in its youth population and as a result there has been a dearth of employment as the current labour market cannot accommodate the number of youths seeking employment. Of particular concern is that countless young people in developing countries like Nigeria will reach employment age within the next decade but the question is: Where is the employment opportunities?
Frustration in the search for livelihood heightens the attraction of youths to illicit activities manifesting in social instabilities we observe nowadays. In this essay I also discussed the social and economic consequences of youth unemployment in Nigeria whilst providing solutions through the ‘Young and Useful’ club. The club is a youth-led project that aims to resolve youth joblessness through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship while also seeking to turn youth advocates of social change by their active participation in community service. The club partners with the local community, organisations and government agencies to achieve its goals. It also seeks other financial measures at ensuring that access to funds which is a main obstacle to business start-ups by youths is tackled.
II. INTRODUCTION
People-centred and participatory approaches to development rightly ask questions about the role of young people in contributing to and driving societal advancement. How can their enormous potential be harnessed? How can young people be integrated into existing societal and economic structures, rather than being left out? Sheer numbers justify this concern; the world population now has