To combat the feistiness of young people in Nigeria, Iroye Samuel Opeyemi, an associate professor specialising in Strategic Studies and Conflict Resolution at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), emphasises the urgent need for the government to re-evaluate and revive the stagnant state of technical education within the country. During the 10th-year celebration of Royal News online publication and the launch of the book ‘Habibat Salman – Saheed: The Diplomatic Administrator And A Princess Of The Emirate,’ in Ilorin, Opeyemi shared his views on the importance of youth reorientation in mitigating security threats as well as social vices.
He believed that society could nurture well-rounded and positive-minded young individuals, but only if the younger generation, parents, and government were all prepared to invest the necessary effort. According to him, a high number of crimes and acts of violence in the nation result from the absence of proper guidance and upbringing among the youth. Fostering a thriving younger generation is crucial for constructing a prosperous community. It is crucial that both the government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) initiate extensive initiatives focused on honing the creative abilities of young individuals, as this can serve as a successful means of addressing the issue of unemployment.
Unemployment issues among youth and recent graduates must be addressed.
The government must take decisive action to address the issue of unemployment among young people and recent graduates from various universities and colleges. Merely discussing the desired outcome is insufficient; practical and pre-emptive measures need to be implemented to create additional industries, factories, and businesses. These steps are crucial for realising a society that is secure and devoid of any form of misconduct. It is essential for the government to create reliable systems that provide comprehensive training opportunities to young individuals, enabling them to develop practical, imaginative, and technical proficiencies. Moreover, families and religious institutions hold a significant responsibility in stimulating spiritual growth among youth.
According to Lanre Issa-Onilu, the director general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the prevalent security issues in the nation can be attributed to the disintegration of societal principles and the loss of cultural heritage. Olusegun Adeyemi, who represented Onilu during the event, emphasised that Nigeria is a nation characterised by a predominantly young population according to the demographic structure. Approximately 72% of the populace comprises individuals under 35 years old, meaning that at least 165 million out of the estimated 220 million population falls within the age range of Gen Z and millennials.
Younger generation should be helped to achieve their utmost potential.
Recognising the severe obstacle lying ahead, there is an awareness that the most crucial task involves guiding the younger generation towards their full potential. As never before in the history of the country, it is imperative for the government, traditional establishments, community influencers, and religious leaders to embrace the forthcoming challenges of Nigeria. In an ever-changing society, it is their responsibility to assist the youth in manoeuvring through the intricate dynamics of social connections and engagements. The young generation of today is not merely awaiting their turn to become leaders in the future; they are already actively leading in various pursuits.
Unfortunately, they are taking charge without any direction. The leaders from the past have deserted, neglecting to instil the necessary values in the young generation. Consequently, the society now finds itself in a situation where the ill-prepared youth are unexpectedly transforming, pioneering, and leading the community. In Nigeria, similar to several other nations, the youth are frequently connected with widespread social wrongdoings. These wrongdoings stem from a multitude of reasons, such as poverty, joblessness, limited education opportunities, cultural practices, the influence of peers, and societal impact.
Peace will be achieved in the nation by promoting unity.
Lastly, AbdulAzeez Arowona, who is the publisher of Royal News online, spoke of his excitement regarding the medium’s ability to bring about positive change in people’s lives. He shared that the platform was established out of a genuine desire to promote unity among their revered traditional rulers, regardless of their social status, background, or religious beliefs. The ultimate goal was to foster peaceful coexistence within our beloved nation, driven by a deep sense of love, empathy, and dedication.
Related Link
NOUN: Website
