Nigeria, blessed with lots of mineral and human resources, arable land, among others, is failing to provide a conducive environment for its youths to thrive, especially by providing them with good jobs, while raising their standard of living.
It is widely believed that if youths are involved in the political affairs of the country, there will be rapid development. However, the country is not giving youths the opportunity to be part of its highest decision-making process, especially in politics. Youths who find themselves in politics today are those whose parents or guardians are already established political figures who then use their influence to elevate their children or wards.
Today, there are many talented youths who are still striving to survive but do not have the connection to make headway.
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Another problem facing Nigerian youths is unemployment;Â securing employment after graduation from the tertiary institution is a major problem. Recently, statistics show that almost 75 per cent of those who are willing to work cannot get the jobs of their dream. They are then forced to embrace jobs they have no passion for and are not trained in. Others who fail to secure jobs find themselves in illegal acts like robbery, gambling, cyber crimes, among others.
Some even prefer wasting their time on social media day and night watching pornography or indulge in online fraud. These happen when they have nothing to occupy their precious time with. Sometimes, they are influenced by friends to embrace internet fraud, or even perform rituals to make money.
The internet has also made it was for young ladies to go into prostitution, as the connection with people of the opposite sex willing to pay money for sex is now so easy.
All these are happening because of the youth lack support from the government. The government needs to empower the youth by introducing youth empowerment programmes that will train and encourage them on how to survive by hard work and not illegal means.
Another way is to improve the educational system to ensure that there is a job for everyone graduating from tertiary institutions.
Emmanuel Oyeranmi,
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