Youth Marginalization, A Ticking Time-bomb – Onaiyekan
Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has warned the government that youth marginalization is a ticking time bomb threatening Nigeria’s future.
According to him, young people are frustrated and feel excluded from the country’s development.
Onaiyekan made this statement on Tuesday at the National Youth Summit in Abuja, organized by the Christian Youth for Peace and Development Initiative (CYPDI). He stressed the need for an enabling environment for youth development.
He criticized the government’s efforts so far as inadequate and disconnected from the real needs of young people.
The Cardinal’s warning came on the heels of recent nationwide protests, which he said were led by young people eager to participate in the country’s development but feeling ignored by older leaders.
Onaiyekan, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CYPDI, acknowledged the impatience and frustration of the youth, noting that they have always been at the forefront of change in Nigeria.
He said, “Young people in Nigeria want to contribute to peace and development but feel marginalized by older leaders. Young people in Nigeria are frustrated with the country’s leadership and want change. They want to work hard but need an avenue to produce and be recognized.
“There is a recognition that young people cannot be expected to be ‘patient’ indefinitely, as they have their own visions and timelines for the country’s progress.
“The government needs to genuinely listen to young people and provide meaningful support and opportunities, rather than just making token gestures.”
Also speaking, Pastor Dr. Simon Dolly, Director-General of the Christian Youth for Peace and Development Initiative, echoed Onaiyekan’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peace.
He appealed to youths to embrace peace and give it a chance, while also urging the government to support non-governmental organizations promoting peace and harmony.
According to him, “Development will never take place in an atmosphere of crisis. We are calling on the youth to always give peace a chance.
“Leadership is not easy. Our primary principle as religious leaders is to pray for our leaders and support them.
“One of the major problems we have in this country is that we do not love each other. If we were our brother’s keeper, this country would move forward.”
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, represented by Archbishop Johnpraise Daniel, also spoke at the summit, stressing the importance of preparation and responsibility among young people to take advantage of opportunities and shape their future.
“When opportunity meets preparation, it is called luck. We need to roll up our sleeves and work hard. We must be ready to take the future into our hands. It doesn’t come through violence or protests,” he said.
The National Youth Summit, themed ‘EMERGE: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Innovation For Sustainable Youth Development,’ aimed to inspire innovation for sustainable youth development and featured discussions on peace-building, youth empowerment and development as well as a book launch and an awards ceremony.
