Efforts of President Bola Ahmed’s administration at ensuring that Nigerian youth are given a sense of belonging in the scheme of things in the country were yesterday applauded by leaders of youth-led organizations.
The commendation came at a press and youth interactive session ahead of the activities to mark this year’s National Youth Day in Abuja under the auspices of Nigerian Youth Futures Fund (NYFF).
The youth leaders, however, demanded more youth-led solutions, inclusivity, and to strengthen their participation in civic activities and governance for national progress.
Haruna Godiya of LEAP Africa, who set the pace of discussion, said young Nigerians must not only be beneficiaries of policies but active co-drivers of national progress.
He cited some commendable efforts of the federal government in supporting youth empowerment. According to him, programmes such as Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), Programme Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) have gone a long way to cater for some of the needs of the youth.
Godiya noted that these initiatives represent steps toward addressing the challenges of unemployment, educational access, and digital skills development.
According to him, “NELFUND, in particular, has the potential to widen educational opportunities for young Nigerians from low-income families.”
He, however, argued that for these interventions to achieve the intended impact, youth must be involved from the conception to delivery, stressing that such initiatives must be co-created with youth.
“We therefore urge the federal government to institutionalise youth representation and accountability mechanisms within these programmes — including a Youth Advisory Body for NELFUND — to ensure transparency, responsiveness, and equitable access.”
For effective inclusivity of the youth, leaders at the session demanded a full implementation and periodic review of the National Youth Policy, backed by funding, transparency, and youth-led monitoring.
They also asked for the Institutionalisation of open governance frameworks — including participatory budgeting, youth advisory councils, and digital accountability platforms at all levels of government.
Also, the forum demanded increased investment in youth innovation, digital skills, and community development, enabling local youth actions to directly advance the SDGs.
Acknowledging the roles being played by the the Nigerian youths towards nation building, various speakers, cited efforts such as peace-building in rural communities to innovation in tech hubs, they noted that youths continue to create impact that transforms lives and systems.
They, however, noted that Nigerian youths are still faced with barriers of access to resources, platforms, and trust.
“We call on all stakeholders, that is, government, private sector, civil society, and international partners, to partner with young people not merely as beneficiaries but as co-creators of solutions. Genuine partnership means shifting from rhetoric to sustained investment, collaboration, and shared accountability.”
While calling for unity among the young Nigerians, the Forum envisioned a country where youth voices are not just heard but heeded, where innovation is rewarded, and where young people have the opportunities, tools, and freedom to shape their ownfuture.
“Together, we can build a nation that reflects the dynamism and promise of its youth – a Nigeria where every young person can contribute meaningfully to a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
“Our message is clear: the time for inclusion is now. The future is not an event we await — it is something we are building, here and now, in every community, through the hands and hearts of young Nigerians. Let this Youth Day renew our collective resolve to move from promises to partnership.”
Speakers at the session included Paul Oladipupo of the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, Nafisa Atiku of NAF Foundation for Young Women, Maimuna Sani of Youth for Community Engagement Coordinator, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, Samira Usman and Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, the Project Director, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund.
