The African Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), has asked the federal government to carefully involve youth in policy formulation.

The Executive Director of AYGF, Dr. Arome Salifu, gave the charge Monday in Abuja, during one of the media parleys to commemorate the International Youth Day, organized by AYGF in partnership with the International Alerts.

Salifu stated that Nigerian youths are actively seeking participation in policy formulation and decision-making processes to drive both personal and communal progress.

He noted that 80 million youths according to 2022 National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria data are confronted with unemployment.

He said: “The new government at all levels – federal and state inclusive, has a pivotal role in spearheading a comprehensive drive to drastically reduce the pressing challenges of youth unemployment, mass migration, youth poverty and the exclusion of young voices from policy-making processes.

“By actively involving the youth in policy formulation, the government can tap into a wellspring of innovative ideas and fresh perspectives, thus, shaping a narrative that resonates deeply with the aspirations of our society.

“Through strategic investments in skills acquisition, job creation and essential infrastructure development, the government can initiate a transformative ripple effect, effectively addressing youth unemployment, poverty and the prevailing trend of mass migration, guided by inclusive policy making.”

He further noted that with Nigeria’s substantial youth population constituting over 70 percent, there was a compelling call for democratic participation and inclusive engagement.

He added: “Recognizing the importance of shaping the new government’s agenda, the Africa Youth Growth Foundation and International Alert, supported by the European Union and International Organization for Migration, are collaborating to create a platform for key decision makers and young people to collaboratively dialogue on youth inclusive development.

“We are orchestrating a series of youth-focused initiatives to commemorate the 2023 International Youth Day. Our aim is to amplify youth voices and cultivate collaboration.

“The initiative encompasses a youth campaign conducted online through video entries, enabling young people to speak out on issues directly affecting them and contribute to setting the government’s agenda. From over 100 entries, three winners emerged, each to be announced and presented with prizes totalling N1 million naira.”