Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the February 25, 2023, poll, Mr. Peter Obi, has blamed the raging insecurity, banditry, violent agitations, and uprisings in parts of the country on the neglect of youths by government over the years.
Obi in a post of his X to mark this year’s International Youth Day on Monday, said Nigeria is gifted with talented and creative youths, who are naturally hardworking and ready to make positive impacts in the nation and on the global stage.
Obi said: “As the global community commemorates International Youth Day today, I add my voice in reminding us, the leaders, that youths remain the bedrock of the development of any country.
“Therefore, their future must be prioritised and placed in the front row of our development agenda.
“For a predominantly youthful nation, investing in our youths remains critical to overcoming many of the societal challenges we face today in trying to position the nation on the path of true development.
“Most of the raging issues like insecurity, banditry, violent agitations, and uprisings in many parts of the country are obvious results of youth neglect over the years.
“Thankfully, Nigeria is gifted with highly talented and very creative youths who are naturally hardworking and ready to make positive impacts in the nation and on the global stage.
“I have consistently maintained that we must empower the youth through investment in the critical areas of development: education, healthcare, and pulling them out of poverty.
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“Such critical investments in our youths will engender a wave of positive transformation and youth productivity which is needed to move the nation forward.
“Sadly, widespread corruption, lack of committed leadership, poor governance, lack of accountability, and self-aggrandizement on our part as leaders have continued to deny our youths the many opportunities for progress and success.
“While youth unemployment has continued to rise in Nigeria, there is yet no marked improvement in the education and skill equipment of our youths.
“Our average secondary school enrolment remains low at 28 percent, while the global average is 80 percent.
“Our average tertiary school enrolment remains low at 15 percent, while the global average is 55 percent. This does not indicate a nation that cares for the future of its youthful population.
“We, as leaders, must now stop feasting while our hardworking youths are fasting. We must now rethink our actions and prioritize the future of our youths for the sake of our nation.
“I encourage our youths to sustain their hope in our nation and remain committed to our national development. These are very challenging times in our nation, but we must find the strength to keep pushing.
“The task of building a New Nigeria remains our collective responsibility. Through our perseverance and commitment, the New Nigeria becomes even more possible.
“Happy International Youth’s Day to all Nigerian Youths,” he added.
