By Angela Atabo
Prof. Attahiru Jega, Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, have called for empowerment and constructive engagement of youths to bolster national development.
Jega and Bagudu made the call at the 10th Anniversary of a youths-led organisation called “I Am Change” (IAC) with the theme: “10 Years of Impact: Changing Lives, One Act at a Time”, on Saturday in Abuja.
Jega said that harnessing the energy, creativity, and innovation of the highest demography in Nigeria was essential for sustainable development.
“We keep reminding our youth that they are the leaders of tomorrow, which is not far-fetched.
“But then do not seem to act responsibly in ensuring that they have necessary opportunities, capacity, preparation and motivation to be constructive leaders of tomorrow.
“We invest little, if anything in educating them.
“Many of those who have benefitted from the constrained educational opportunities available and have graduated, lack gainful employment opportunities,” he said.
Jega explained that many youths, both educated and uneducated, were rather negatively recruited into political and governance processes, either as thugs, or hangers-on to political ‘god fathers’, or induced for mob action in orchestrated campaigns and protests.
He added that many have become dispirited, or indifferent, or have even ‘exited’ from constructive democratic participations.
Jega said that under the above circumstances, the potential of youths being future leaders of tomorrow is being compromised and looked gloomy, with dire negative consequences on Nigeria’s socio-economic progress and development.
He added, “We must continue to create and widen the space for them; and we must especially encourage and support those who have the initiative, the creativity and capacity to create their own space and pursue successfully undertakings beneficial to our communities and indeed our country.
“In particular, the federal and state governments must identify such credible and impactful organisations led by energetic, passionate young women and men, and substantially enable them to pursue more constructive endeavours for societal progress and development.”
Jega said that beyond encouraging them in civil society work, they should be included in the political and governance institutions and processes.
He commended IAC for 10 years of impactful contributions to the lives of Nigerians and the nation, adding that IAC had shown clearly that it was better to enable the youths to become constructively engaged for enhanced national progress.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, called for renewed national commitment to youths’ development, community transformation, and bold economic reforms.
Bagudu said that Nigeria’s exceptional demographic growth with youths as the highest was both an advantage and also a challenge.
He explained that if youths were equipped with the right skills and tools, Nigeria would continue to progress but if not, the demographic potential could easily turn into a burden.
He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope message, adding, “We are not where we want to be. We must make bold choices, sometimes unpleasant to get where we need to be.”
The minister, therefore, appealed to Nigerians particularly young people to “get less angry, support each other, and believe in their dreams” and urged community leaders, families, and organisations to guide youths towards constructive engagement.
He commended the I Am Change Initiative for a decade of impactful contribution and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting community-driven development.
The Executive Director, Hafsatu Shinkafi, said the organisation was celebrating 10 years of empowerment and civic engagement in Nigeria, describing the milestone as “a decade of defiance and dedication”.
According to Shinkafi, IAC had built community-based movement centred on human development, civic education, skills and economic empowerment and thanked partners, diplomats, dignitaries, volunteers, and the youths whose resilience fuelled the organisation’s mission.
She said, “Ten years ago in 2015, I Am Change was born from a simple yet powerful conviction: that the future of Nigeria rests not just in our resources, but in the untapped potential of its largest demographic the youth.”
Shinkafi added that the organisation was founded amid deep-seated challenges — poverty, unemployment, insecurity, education inequality, and political exclusion of young people and others.
She said that over the past decade, IAC has pursued a mission grounded in civic education, leadership training, skills development, and social empowerment and governance, adding that IAC contributed to the Not-Too-Young-To-Run bill which has become a law.
Shinkafi called on the stakeholders and partners to join IAC in the renewed commitment.
She said, “Your investment in IAC is an investment in its ability, in prosperity and enduring vision of Nigeria where every citizen, especially the most vulnerable, has the skills and the voice to drive meaningful change.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
