In Nigeria, the issue of insecurity has become a pressing concern that affects all aspects of society. From political violence to social unrest and crimes, the country is grappling with numerous security challenges.
While many factors contribute to this insecurity, youth empowerment is a critical area that needs to be addressed. By providing young people with the necessary skills, opportunities, and support, they can become agents of change and contribute to the overall security and development of the nation.
Understanding the Youth Empowerment Landscape in Nigeria
Nigeria boasts a significant advantage as it harbors one of the world’s most sizable populations of young individuals. Among a population of over 200 million, 70% are under 30, bringing the population’s median age to 18.
However, the youth in Nigeria grapples with formidable challenges in employment and skill development, posing significant hurdles to their aspirations and the nation’s progress.
High unemployment rates, underemployment, skills mismatches, limited access to education and training, and entrepreneurial challenges collectively define the landscape for many young Nigerians.
These factors not only hinder their personal growth but also contribute to the overall insecurity in the country. Unemployment and lack of economic opportunities, as discussed on this site, often push young people towards criminal activities, social unrest, and even joining extremist groups.
The Benefits of Youth Empowerment in Curbing Insecurity
Empowering the youth in Nigeria is not just a socio-economic imperative but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future prosperity. The country’s demographic structure, with a large youth population, presents a demographic dividend that can propel economic progress. When young people are empowered with the right skills, knowledge, and opportunities, several benefits can be realized:
Economic growth and job creation
Youth who are empowered with better skills contribute to economic development through entrepreneurship, innovation, and a skilled workforce. They inject fresh perspectives and technological prowess into various sectors. These young innovators can create job opportunities for themselves or others by starting a business, facilitating local employment, and reducing unemployment rates.
Social development and stability
Empowered youth are more likely to engage actively in community and social issues, fostering positive change and societal progress. Youth empowerment initiatives can reduce poverty and improve living standards by providing opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment. This, in turn, fosters social stability and reduces the risk of social unrest and criminal activity.
Leadership development and civic engagement
Youth empowerment nurtures leadership skills, preparing the next generation to take on leadership roles and contribute to effective governance. Empowered youth are more likely to actively participate in civic and political activities, contributing to a vibrant and participatory democracy.
Global competitiveness
A well-empowered youth population enhances a country’s competitiveness and adaptability to evolving market trends on the global stage by fostering a dynamic and skilled workforce. This not only strengthens the overall economy but also positions Nigeria as a player in the global arena.
Strategies for Effective Youth Empowerment in Nigeria
While the government has initiated various programs to accelerate the development of young people, youth empowerment in Nigeria remains a mixed picture. Despite successes, there is a pressing need for a more comprehensive and sustainable framework to empower the youth effectively. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
Enhance employment opportunities
Governments should encourage youth employment by adopting strategies like Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. This program includes a mandatory national service with a job placement policy, ensuring that a percentage of program participants receive job offers upon completing their service year.
This approach creates a direct link between education, national service, and employment, offering a model for other initiatives to follow in addressing youth unemployment and fostering a smoother transition from academia to the workforce.
Build business incubation and mentorship programs
Supporting young entrepreneurs and social changemakers to develop solutions and business models that positively impact their communities is a critical element of empowerment.
These programs increase the chances of an individual’s entrepreneurial success by nurturing business skills like communication, design thinking, critical thinking, and innovation through workshops, tools, and resources.
Venture-building initiatives also promote mentorship and networking opportunities that can help accelerate the next generation’s personal and professional development.
Invest in technology and digital literacy
Governments should invest in digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, ensuring all schools have computer labs and supporting tech hubs. Increasing internet access and digital literacy can empower young people, fostering innovation and creating digital jobs.
Learning about frontier technologies also helps young leaders understand their role in solving global development challenges.
Promote youth collaboration and network-building
Promoting inclusive opportunities for youth to collaborate with diverse individuals is necessary to expose them to multiple perspectives crucial for addressing complex social problems.
By facilitating partnerships between educational institutions, private sector organizations, civil society, and government agencies, young people can access broader networks and resources to support their initiatives.
This collaboration also fosters a sense of belonging and collective responsibility towards national development.
Examples of Successful Youth Empowerment Programs in Nigeria
Several youth empowerment programs have been implemented in Nigeria with varying degrees of success. These programs serve as models and inspiration for future initiatives. Here are a few notable examples:
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
The NYSC is a mandatory one-year program for Nigerian graduates following their university education. The program fosters national unity by assigning young graduates to various regions where they work in government-owned institutions like schools, hospitals, and rural development centers.
Corps members receive a monthly stipend during service, facilitating interaction with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The program fosters national unity, encourages self-reliance by promoting entrepreneurial skills, and offers real-world experience to participants.
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEF)
The TEF, founded in 2015, aims to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic development across Africa. Annually, the program selects a cohort of entrepreneurs who undergo comprehensive training mentorship and receive seed capital to start or scale their businesses. Through this initiative, young entrepreneurs are empowered to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the overall development of Nigeria and the continent.
Futurize’s Fuel Africa Program
The Fuel Africa program, launched by Futurize, focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation training to reduce the skills deficit in the labor market.
It brings together young leaders from diverse African backgrounds to participate in an innovation challenge, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and solutions to address global issues.
These programs empower youth through intentional inclusivity, connect them to leadership and advocacy training, and facilitate cross-sector collaboration.
Conclusion
Youth empowerment plays a crucial role in curbing insecurity in Nigeria. By providing young people with the necessary skills, opportunities, and support, they can become agents of change and contribute to the overall security and development of the nation.
Economic growth, social development, leadership development, and global competitiveness are some benefits that can be realized through effective youth empowerment strategies.
Government initiatives like the NYSC program, private sector-led entrepreneurship programs like TEF, and innovative programs like Fuel Africa have shown promising results in empowering Nigerian youth.
Moving forward, a comprehensive and sustainable framework for youth empowerment is essential to harness the potential of the country’s young population and build a secure and prosperous future for Nigeria.
