For a nation to develop meaningfully, her citizen must imbibe and cultivate good values, but in Nigeria today, selfish and undesirable values have replaced wholesome ones, thereby leading to an unhealthy development. This means that, all is not well with our nation (Nigeria) where the values we once held clearly, have been thrown into the trash can. Our youth have imbibed the wrong values which unfortunately they have translated to be the norms. The Nigeria nation itself is branded as a country where corruption, poverty, hunger and injustice reigns. To change this trend, there is need for different approaches to value re-orientation of Nigeria Youth, as a means of achieving national development. It is what the society values, that determines the tone and level development of that society.
Our youth are the backbone of our nation, and their engagement in democratic processes, civil activities and national security intelligence gathering, is crucial for our country’s progress. Democracy is not just about voting; it’s about participating in decision that affect our lives and holding our leaders accountable and demanding change when necessary. It’s also about engaging in civil activities that promote social justice, equity and equality. As a future leader and change-makers of our nation, youth play a pivotal role in shaping our collective destiny. However, many young people lack the skills, knowledge and opportunity to reach their full potentials and contribute meaningfully to the national development. It is time for a re-orientation of our approach to youth development through democratic means, in achieving national development.
There should be three chain block which include a pact that seek to enhance civic environment from Nigerian youths as well as government commitment to the security need of the young people and masses in general. The commitment of government should extend beyond mere speeches, rather, to reflect the echoes of young Nigerians in concrete action and policies, aimed at empowering them to actively participate in shaping the future of our country. Youth engagement is crucial in democratic processes because it bring new ideas, energy and perspective to the table. They are not bound by traditional thinking, and are more open to innovative solutions. Youth are more likely to be affected by the decisions made today, so its essential that they have a say in shaping their future. Our youth must be actively engaged in democratic process, they must be encouraged to participate in elections, join political parties, and hold their leaders accountable. We need to create spaces for them to express their opinion, engage in policy debates, and contribute to decision-making processes.
Youth must be involved in civil activities that promote community development, social justice, and human rights. They must be empowered to drive positive change, challenge unjust systems, and advocate for the down-trodden and marginalized, and should engage in community services, volunteerism, and activism, using their voice to speak out against injustice devoid of violence.
National security intelligence gathering, is critical to our safety and well-being. Young people must be aware of the threats that faces our nation today, and be informed in finding solution. We must be vigilant and proactive in preventing extremism and promoting peace. Youth must collaborate and work in synergy with the law enforcement agency as means of achieving national development. It is not all about enhancing security measures or implementing Top-down directives, it is about empowering our youth to become active participants in the process of nation building, and must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle emerging security threats. We need to invest in their education and training, providing them with opportunities to develop expertise in area like cybersecurity, data analysis and strategic thinking, while equipping our law enforcement officers with the necessary tools and training to serve and protect with integrity and professionalism as a core mandate.
Government involvement is also crucial in empowering youth for national development, to become active participants in building a brighter future for all. This re-orientation strategies includes:
Education and Skills Development: Government can provide access to quality education, vocational training and skills development programs to equip youth with employable skills.
Youth Employment Initiatives: Government can launch initiatives to reduce youth unemployment, such as job creation programs, internships, and entrepreneurship support.
Healthcare and wellbeing: Governments can ensure access to healthcare, mental health services, and wellbeing programs to support youth development.
Representation and Participation: Government can create opportunities for youth representation in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard.
Funding and Resources: Government can allocate fund and resources to support youth-led initiative, projects, and organization.
Policy and Legislation: Government can develop and implement policies and laws that protect and promote youth rights, interests and empowerment.
Innovation and Technology: Government can support youth innovation and technology initiative, providing resources and infrastructure.
Mentorship and Guidance: Government can establish mentorship programs, pairing youth with experienced professionals and leaders.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Youth to be encourage to explore entrepreneurial ventures, fostering innovation and job creation.
Community Engagement and Volunteering: Youth be provided opportunities to engage in community services, developing empathy and social responsibility.
Leadership Development: To offer training and platforms for youths to develop leadership skill with confidence and voice.
Inclusive and Accessible Opportunities: Ensure equal access to resources, opportunities and support for all youth, regardless of background, gender or ability.
Inclusive decision-Making: Involving youth in decision-making processes related to national intelligence gathering, ensuring their perspectives and ideas are considered in policy-making.
Partnership and Collaboration: Foster partnerships between government agencies, academia and private sectors organization to create opportunities for youth engagement.
Competitive programs: Establish competitive programs, such as scholarship, fellowships or competitions to encourage youth participation and recognize outstanding contributions.
Create a network of young people who are passionate about creating change.
We can achieve the above re-orientation strategies by adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to youth development, applying the following measures as follows;
Unlock their potential and creativity.
Foster a sense of purpose and belonging.
Build a talented and innovative work force.
Promote social cohesion and inclusivity.
Drive economic growth and prosperity.
In conclusion, Empowering youth for national development is crucial for building a brighter future. By investing on their education, skills, and entrepreneurship, we can unlock their potential and harness their energy to drive positive change. It is essential to create an enabling environment that supports youth innovation, creativity, and leadership. Let us invest in our youth, empower them, and create opportunities for them to strive. Let us engage them in democratic processes, security intelligence gathering, and civil activities. Let us work together to build a brighter and more equitable future for our nation. By doing so, we can ensure that, young people become active contributors to national development and nation’s building, driving economic growth, social progress, and political stability.” Youth is the spark that ignites the flames of progress, empowering youth is empowering the future”
…Edwin Igoche is a professor of Peace Conflict and International Jurisprudence
