Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) in collaboration with Oxfam in Nigeria, has called for a change in the level of youth interaction and alienation in the decision-making processes and developmental activities critical for a sustainable future.
The Executive Director, NGYouthSDGs, Joshua Alade, emphasized the need to have substantial investments in job opportunities, access to education and good healthcare for Nigerian youths to enable them to thrive and contribute positively to the society, stressing that it was necessary for the youths to be involved in delicate decisions.
He said, “There is a strong correlation between youth engagement and national security, adding that a meaningful interaction and involvement of a youth populace in governance and administration was likely to facilitate a peaceful and conducive environment for economic growth and development.
“A decrease in the level of youth interaction and alienation in the decision-making processes and developmental activities would result in an increase in violent crimes, anarchy, political instability leading to the destruction of critical infrastructures, loss of livelihoods and by extension, retardation in the economy and impinged national security.”
Also speaking, Project Coordinator, Oxfam in Nigeria, Princewill Ogbodo, stated that the youths should be represented in the decision-making process. According to him, “It is not just enough to set up programmes, it is more important to get feedback. We want more sustainable programs, draft policies that would accommodate sustainability in terms of various initiatives for youths in Nigeria.”
“He further urged the youth and older generations to enhance societal development, stating that young people have the advantage of fresh and creative ideas, energy and ability to work for success, and it was important that adults acknowledge that.
“In the very same way, the young people need to recognize the resources that older people bring to the table.”
Adding: “Creating a platform for young people to explore ways to work with policy makers, the private sector and multilateral organizations for the engagement of youth in policies and programs to advance the SDGs in Nigeria, is of great importance.
“One must build values in the aspects of courage, candour, competence anchored on skills and commitment in every endeavour. Stakeholders at all levels must strive to create a system that grows the potentials of our youths while discouraging them from engaging in ignoble ventures.”
The Director of United Nations Information Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Ronald Kayanjar, who was present at the launch of the compendium, expressed his pleasure and optimism at the event.
He stated that despite the fact that only 15 per cent of SDGs targets are on track. “There are enough reasons to be optimistic as the compendium launched is a testimony of the actions of young people. The increasing set of technology and innovation can be deployed for developing countries to achieve set goals.
Panelist, Onyinye Omenugha, stated that creating a platform for young people to explore ways to work with policy makers and the private sector and multilateral organizations for the engagement of youth in policies and programs to advance the SDGs in Nigeria is of great importance. The panelists, including Elona Erezi, stated the importance of engaging young people in the decision making process, and the need to implement policies that have already been designed.
The launch also witnessed presentations from Abigael Anaza Mark, an education and gender equality Professional, Abdulbasit Bashir, the founder of Revnics Energy, Chioma Ukpabi, a social entrepreneur and change maker and Peace Kpada Danson, who is a digital literacy tutor and climate champion. They shared what has inspired them to take action and their contributions to sustainable development in Nigeria.
