Harnessing Nigerian youths’ potential, key to improving socio-economic development — UNESCO

The UNESCO Institute for Africa Culture and International Understanding (IACIU) has advised the government to tap into the immense potential of youths so improve the socio-economic development of the country.

Director of the institute, Professor Peter Okebukola gave the advice during a during a workshop organised by IACIU with the theme: “Role of Young People in the Promotion of 2005 Convention and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2.0.”

Okebukola described the youth as game-changers in the contemporary world, hence the need to consider their technological advancement, agility and vibrancy in changing the high narrative in the nation.

The erudite scholar also stressed that the youth can amplify the beauty of Nigeria’s diverse culture to international communities through vast knowledge of the digital environment.

He added that the youth also have the capacity through the use of the media to promote the African cultural heritage and share African ideas through music and works of art across borders.

He said: “Youths are vibrant, agile, and technologically advanced. Hence, they can be described aptly, as a game changer in the contemporary world.

“With these veritable tools at their disposal, young people are in a better position to transform the contemporary world by breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and fostering diverse cultures.

“The youth have the capacity to connect across borders, with a view to amplifying their voices through the use of the media.”

Professor Okebukola explained that the programme is in line with the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2.0’.

“This auspicious event, will not only be a clarion call to action, but an invitation to all and sundry to explore the credible potential and energy our youths possess in shaping a better and more sustainable world for all.

“The UNESCO organisation should be commended for initiating the 2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which has not only become a landmark instrument for the promotion of culture but also development globally,” he added.

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