OPINION - Harnessing The Potential Of Nigeria's Youth: Insights From One Of The Youngest Political Party National Chairman

 

Written By Nduka Anyanwu 

Nigeria’s youthful population represents one of the country’s greatest assets for sustainable development. Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, one of the youngest national chairmen of a major political party, underscores the critical importance of investing in Nigeria’s youth to fast-track the nation’s progress.

Nigeria’s Youth: A Demographic Dividend

Nigeria is home to over 60% of its population under the age of 25, making it one of the youngest countries globally. This demographic trend presents a unique opportunity for economic transformation. With targeted investments in education, vocational training, and skills development, Nigeria’s youth could become powerful drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa emphasizes:

"If Nigeria channels resources into empowering our youth, we can unlock their immense potential to lead us into a prosperous future."

The Path to Faster Development

Harnessing this youthful energy requires strategic policies that create an enabling environment for youth participation in the economy. This includes not only improving access to quality education but also fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, digital literacy, and technical skills.

However, the challenge remains significant: 

Creating Enough Quality Jobs

A key concern is the need to generate sufficient quality employment opportunities. Youth unemployment in Nigeria remains high, estimated at over 34% (NBS, 2022). Underemployment and job insecurity threaten social stability and can undermine national development efforts.

Ezeokenwa notes:

"Job creation must be at the core of Nigeria’s development agenda. Without adequate employment, the potential of our youth remains underutilized, and social tensions could escalate."

The Way Forward

To realize the full potential of Nigeria’s youth, policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and development partners must collaborate to design inclusive strategies that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills acquisition.

Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa advocates for a youth-centered approach:

"Investing in our youth is investing in Nigeria’s future. It’s time we prioritize policies that enable young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to nation-building."

Conclusion

Nigeria’s youthful population is a formidable asset that, if harnessed effectively, can accelerate development and propel Nigeria toward a brighter future. The path forward requires deliberate investments in education, skills, and job creation—an endeavor that calls for urgent action from all sectors of society.

Mr. Nduka Anyanwu Special Adviser Media To APGA National Chairman