IYD: Govt Has Failed Us, Nigerian Youths Cry Out

Nigerian youths have condemned the government’s inability to address pressing developmental challenges, citing a lack of opportunities and disconnection between leaders and young people.

Speaking at an International Youth Day event hosted by the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) in partnership with Oxfam in Nigeria, youths expressed frustration with the government’s failure to provide tangible support for their development.

Joseph Ibrahim, Programme Manager at Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, emphasized the need for intergenerational collaboration, stating that many leaders view youths as having nothing to offer.

“We’ve had a head of state that was 28 years old, but that seemed to be nearly very impossible at the moment. The disconnect that we see is that relationship, that mutual and beneficial relationship, between government and young people is not there. And it’s very important that we begin to strengthen that relationship. We can do that. I know that for many of the people in government, some of the reasons why they don’t engage with young people is because they feel like young people don’t have anything to offer.”

Maxwell Osarenkhoe, Communication Officer at Oxfam in Nigeria, noted that citizens focus too much on the federal government, neglecting the importance of holding grassroots leaders accountable.

“So part of the room to bridge the intergenerational gap that we’ve seen is through policies. This is because when policies actually work, we don’t have to talk too much. Another aspect too is listening. Part of the way our system operates looks so much concentrated on the federal level than from a constituency-based approach.”

NGYouthSDGs Programme Manager, Opeyemi Ogundeji, emphasized that Nigeria is on track to achieving youth-related SDGs but needs to intensify action.

The event recognized ten outstanding young individuals for their contributions to advancing the SDGs and honored five for their efforts towards a greener Nigeria.

Youths lamented the government’s failure to address pressing issues, citing a lack of opportunities and disconnection between leaders and young people.

The government’s inability to provide tangible support for youth development has led to frustration among young people.

Speakers emphasized the need for intergenerational collaboration, policy changes, and holding leaders accountable to bridge the gap between government and youths.

The event aimed to promote youth engagement and recognize outstanding contributions to advancing the SDGs.