The Oniru of Iruland, Lagos, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal and the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, on Thursday said that Nigeria’s youth are the country’s most valuable resource.
They spoke in Lagos at a symposium organised by United Nations Information Centre in partnership with Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to commemorate the 2021 International Youth Day (IYD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IYD is commemorated yearly on Aug. 12 to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community, while also celebrating their potential as partners in the global society.
The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”
In his remark, Oba Lawal said that no society could transform itself without the inclusion of youths at the centre.
According to him, Nigerian youths are currently playing instrumental roles in the development of the agricultural sector.
“Today, youths in Nigeria are offering digital innovations and solutions that cover products, services and applications within the agricultural value chain, from the farm to the industry.
“They’ve setup several startups and agrictech companies that address the challenges confronting food systems.
“This in turn continues to help provide small farmers with access to financial services, modern day equipment and logistics marketing,” he said.
The traditional ruler added that there would be a drastic reduction in youths unemployment if corporate organisations and the government at all levels could invest more in the agricultural sector.
He further enjoined the government to continuously explore new ways of engagement and collaboration with the youth “in developing initiatives in transforming food systems as a sustainable way to ensure food security.”
Quoting late Kofi Annan, Oba Oniru said that young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.
“When youths are empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace; so let us ensure they have every opportunity to participate fully in their society,” he said.
The UN coordinator, Kallon, said that the quality and type of investments made in youths by government would determine the trajectory of development and how society could be envisioned in years and decades to come.
He said that strategic investment in youth education, health, security, employment, empowerment, effective civil participation and overall development carried the potential for demographic dividends.
“Nigerian youth are known globally as pacesetters. Not only are they highly skilled and educated, but they are also innovative and entrepreneurial.
“This country is one of the leading destinations for start-up investments, largely targeting and led by youth.”
According to Kallon, it is not just energy systems that need to be transformed but also food systems.
He said that young people in Nigeria could help revolutionize one of the nation’s largest employment sectors by bringing their innovation and creativity to bear on a system that needs to become sustainable and climate friendly.
“On this International Youth Day, we must not just raise awareness of youth issues, but encourage this generation to become full partners in our efforts towards a more sustainable future.
“The bourgeoning youth bulge should be viewed as a blessing rather a curse for Nigeria, one that can power the economy and society to greater heights.
Kallon, however, said that the youth dividend was not guaranteed but its potential must be cultivated, encouraged and supported.
“If harnessed effectively, the magnitude of the youth population offers a critical opportunity to lead Nigeria in its development aspirations, tackle the effects of a warming climate, and become Nigeria’s greatest asset as agents of change.
“Empowering today’s generation of young people is our chance to end poverty, end hunger, bridge inequalities and reverse climate change,” he said.
Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director General of NIIA, said that young people must be reminded daily of the duties they had to themselves and their nation at large.
According to him, change can only be meaningful if we are part of it and youths must begin to achieve phenomenal feats.
He said that the pandemic had opened new windows and opportunities for the world, adding that digitalisation was no longer an option for the youth but a necessity.
“Youths of Nigeria have shown their strength in entrepreneurship and have not only the resilience, but the adaptable resilience to be movers and changers of the world.”
Osaghae urged youths to embrace the country because it was the secret of development.
“When you have love of country, you don’t see what the country is not offering you but rather how you can be of help.
“Nigeria will come first for you when you have imbibed the values of nationalism and patriotism,” Osaghae said.
He added that “when the country did not have the capacity to do all it could for us, it was time for us to ask what to do for our country in return.
“When young people decide that something has to be done, they don’t have boundaries nor borders. They are people who would move mountains and have the tool skillset to bring meaningful change,” Osaghae said.
