By Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta
In spite of economic challenges, unemployment, insecurity and social development concerns, experts have identified the country’s youthful population as one of its greatest assets for national transformation.
With one of the largest youth populations in Africa, Nigeria possesses enormous human capital capable of driving economic growth, technological innovation and sustainable development.
Nonetheless, stakeholders say the country has yet to fully harness this demographic advantage.
Observers note that young people have historically played important roles in nation building through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and social mobilization.
They argue that Nigeria’s future prosperity will largely depend on how effectively it invests in and empowers its youth population.
A youth leader, Usman Surajo, said Nigerian youths possessed the energy, creativity and resilience needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.
According to him, many young Nigerians have continued to demonstrate excellence in various fields despite numerous challenges.
“Young people are not asking for special treatment, they are asking for opportunities. Across the country, youths are excelling in business, technology, agriculture, sports and education.
“If given the right support, they can contribute significantly to solving many of the challenges facing the country,” he said.
Abdulrahman stressed the need for greater youth inclusion in governance and decision making processes.
He said their perspectives were essential to addressing contemporary challenges.
Likewise, Dr Habiba Adamu, a political scientist, said countries that invested heavily in youth development recorded remarkable economic and social progress.
She observed that nations such as Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia transformed their economies through investments in education, innovation and human capital development.
“Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil or other natural resources but its people, particularly its youthful population.
“Investment in education, research, technology and entrepreneurship can produce long term benefits for the country and position it for sustainable growth,” she said.
Adamu called for improved funding of educational institutions and greater emphasis on vocational and technical education to equip young people with relevant skills.
According to her, quality education remains one of the most effective tools for preparing youths to compete in an increasingly knowledge driven global economy.
Economic experts also believe that youth entrepreneurship can play a vital role in reducing unemployment and stimulating economic growth.
Dr Marwan Ahmad, an economist, said many young Nigerians were already creating businesses and generating employment despite prevailing economic difficulties.
“Across the country, young entrepreneurs are making significant contributions in agriculture, technology, transportation, fashion and the creative industry.
“What they need is access to affordable financing, stable infrastructure and supportive government policies that encourage innovation and business growth,” he said.
Ahmad noted that supporting youth owned enterprises would not only reduce unemployment but also increase productivity, tax revenue and economic diversification.
In the technology sector, Nigerian youths continue to gain recognition for developing innovative solutions to local and global challenges.
A technology entrepreneur, Zainab Hassan, said young innovators were increasingly leveraging digital tools to create solutions in healthcare, financial services, agriculture and education.
According to her, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading technology hub in Africa if adequate investments are made in digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
“Our young people are proving that they can compete globally. Many have developed applications and digital solutions that address societal challenges.
“What is needed is more investment in innovation hubs, research centres and technology driven education,” she said.
Stakeholders also emphasise the importance of youth participation in agriculture, describing the sector as a major source of employment and economic growth.
Agricultural development experts say modern farming presents significant opportunities for young people seeking sustainable livelihoods.
They argue that encouraging youths to embrace agribusiness, mechanised farming and agricultural technology could help improve food security and reduce dependence on imports.
Security analysts, however, caution that failure to adequately engage young people could have serious consequences for national stability.
According to Alhaji Basiru Bello, unemployment, poverty and social exclusion often make youths vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups and violent organizations.
“When young people lack opportunities and hope for the future, some become susceptible to crime and other social vices.
“The solution is not only law enforcement but also creating jobs, improving education and promoting social inclusion,” he said.
Bello stressed that empowering young people would contribute significantly to peacebuilding, social cohesion and national security.
Observers note that Nigerian youths have also distinguished themselves in sports, entertainment and the creative industry, projecting the country’s image positively on the global stage.
From music and film to athletics and digital content creation, young Nigerians continue to showcase exceptional talent and contribute to economic growth.
Analysts believe that providing the right environment for talent development could generate substantial employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings.
Beyond government interventions, experts emphasise the need for young people to embrace discipline, patriotism, innovation and civic responsibility.
According to them, national development requires not only opportunities but also commitment from citizens to contribute positively to society.
A development consultant, Mr Daniel John, said the future belonged to nations that successfully invested in their youth population.
“No nation can achieve sustainable development while neglecting its youths; they are the workforce, innovators, entrepreneurs and future leaders.
“Empowering young people is not an option; it is a necessity for national progress,” he said.
Stakeholders urge governments at all levels, private sector organisations and development partners to prioritise youth focused policies and programmes.
They recommend increased investment in quality education, entrepreneurship support, skills acquisition, technology, sports and leadership development initiatives.
Many agree that Nigeria’s youthful population should be viewed not as a burden but as a strategic asset capable of driving national transformation.
As the country seeks sustainable solutions to its developmental challenges, experts insist that empowering young people remains one of the most effective pathways to economic growth, social stability and national progress.
For them, the future of Nigeria will largely depend on the extent to which today’s youths are equipped, empowered and given opportunities to realise their full potential.
Written by Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta, edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
