The Roles of Nigeria Youth in Nation Development -By Abdulazeez Toheeb Olawale

The youths are always been refers to as the leaders of tomorrow. The youths can be referred to as the backbones of a nation and have higher success rate to change the dynamics so as to have a new model modification in society. The strength of a nation lies in the hand youths of that nation. The individual characterized power and energy, capabilities and will to support the nation systems, be it in Administration, Politics, Commerce, Religion, Security Agencies, Education, Science Technology and Advancement, Entertainment and Sport, the youths are needed to serve as the lubricant for wheels of change and development of the nation. The youths also form a sensitive age group that harbours objectives and goals for important social changes. The development of nations is fully dependent on the abilities and will of the youths. The power of youths must be positively utilized in all areas like health, education, technology, business, trade, etc. and integrated with moral value education to spread peace and welfare throughout the country.

In Nigeria, one is considered youth when he/she is between the ages of 18-35 years according the Federal Republic of Nigeria National Youth Policy (2019-2023). Youths become dynamic in actions and play important roles in building a nation, the government and the society must see the youths as a tool to creating a smooth developmental atmosphere in order to set the entryway to national growth and development at its altitude. Youths must have the ability to make choices that support the pursuit of educational goals and the development of life skills necessary for national and even local leadership positions.

The youths are very energetic and enthusiastic. They have the ability to learn and adapt to the environment. Similarly, they are willing to learn and act on it as well to achieve their goals. Youth is the backbone of the nation. As they say, Youth is the spring of life.

Nigeria is absolutely full of pride of the fact that it has so many natural resources, but if the country has to be governed properly, it has to be done by people who are accountable and who don’t misuse their positions of power for their own benefit instead of helping to better the nation. Youth is the stage of innovation and visions. They have the muscle to transform the nation into a better and healthy place. They also have the gift to lead their fellow citizens into the right direction. Youths are warriors. They battle for individuality in society, equality, the homeless, bullying, unemployment, exploitation, poverty and other problems which the world faces today.

National development is not solely about working to get a salary but also concentrating on the fragments of the nation which have been overlooked or left behind. If the youth volunteers to elevate the backward areas and help in their growth and development, the country will progress considerably faster.

Good education prepares one to impact positively on self and society. Government must provide this and youth must seek and desire to be educated at all levels.

Optimal utilization of means – We are fortunate to be citizens of a country like Nigeria which is a storehouse of resources like manpower, fuel, technology and so much more but we as citizens need to realize our sense of duty and use these resources in the best possible way. For example, using public transport instead or private vehicles helps in saving fuel, better usage of public transport, reducing the pollution level and will be more economical also and not like the way we use cars to prove our wealthy we are.

Stop deserting the remote areas – Remote areas of the nation are in dire need of attention and advancement. The country will not flourish as a whole till the time remote and neglected areas are brought into the bigger picture. There are so many rural areas that don’t get medicines and basic amenities, those areas are neglected or are out of reach of the government also. Issues related to backward areas must be addressed as a unit, be it electricity, road, transportation, education and healthcare.

In conclusion, the role of the youth in the nation-building is very essential. They possess the ability to form an identity for themselves and lead the nation forward. However, they can only accomplish this with the backing of their Government and fellow youth. Consequently, the youths can move the world; make their beautiful land flourish and luster in success.

Abdulazeez Toheeb Olawale is a student at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.
He can be reached via
toheebazeez200@gmail.com