Aisha Sunusi Mohammed (Intern Student)
As the world marks International Youth Day, some youths in Bauchi State have expressed mixed feelings over the celebration, citing the challenges confronting young people in Nigeria.
The day, set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness about issues affecting youths, is traditionally seen as a time for celebration and reflection. But for Bauchi-based youth advocate Usman Abdullahi, there is little to celebrate.
He lamented that many Nigerian youths have lost hope due to persistent unemployment, insecurity, drug abuse, and lack of meaningful representation in leadership positions.
“We can only celebrate being alive. Beyond that, there is nothing tangible for Nigerian youths to hold onto. Many of our leaders enjoyed opportunities in their youth, but have not extended the same to our generation,” Usman said.
He urged the government to create more youth-centered programmes, promote skills acquisition, and invest in agriculture and technology to enable young people to become self-reliant.
Social activist Comrade Ahmad Tanko also called on authorities to provide an enabling environment for youth participation in both political and economic spheres.
“Millions of graduates and skilled youths are unable to start productive ventures due to lack of capital. Government must step in to support them so they can contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stressed.
For her part, Olamide Ajibola described the day as one meant to inspire and encourage young people, but warned that the prevailing realities of unemployment and neglect have dampened its spirit.
She urged youths not to wait for the system to solve their problems but to take proactive steps toward self-improvement, while also calling on government to pay more attention to youth concerns.
This year’s International Youth Day comes against the backdrop of growing calls for stronger policies and genuine action to harness the potential of Nigeria’s young population for national progress.
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