Youths in Nigeria have called for an opportunity to participate in decision making and to end age related barriers in all spheres.
The youths made the call in Abuja during the event jointly organised and convened by Oxfam Nigeria and the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network to celebrate the 2022 International Youth Day.
Oxfam Representative at the event, Abdul-Aziz Musa said Nigeria cannot solve it major present and future challenges without considering the input of the young people today.
“We regard the young people as a critical consistency that we need to walk with us partners, as stake holders and as our targets , also in essence we believe that if we cannot solve tomorrow’s problem without the input of the young people today and if we want the future we have to create it for ourselves,“ Musa said.
ASUU Strike
The Oxfam representative further called on the Nigerian government to address challenges of incessant strikes by the members of the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria Universities, ASUU.
According to him, “we are just recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve had a global crisis of Ukraine, all that already is a strain, but for us, we even have another bigger one on top of all of this which is now this ASUU crisis and the implication is that we are going to take a much more longer time than this for us to recover as a country.
“Well, looking at our young people and is we really believe that the future is for the young people that means we are denying them that future and if we deny them that future, then what future are we trying to create as a country for ourselves and prepare for the young people,“ Musa added.
The Convener of the Nigeria Youths SDGs Network, Diezani Ototo, expressed worry that ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union Of Universities will not end until the Federal government comes to consensus with the university lecturers.
According to her, “the strike is very worrisome, and the government has to do something about it the truth is that this strike will not end until the government (either) agrees to come to a consensus, and I believe that one of the things that is very important is for the government and the universities to come to a consensus as regards the amount that is been asked for, it’s not too much.
“I just believe that the government needs to do more for the universities and the professors – people that work so hard,“ she added.
2022 Youth Day Celebration
In a joint signed statement , the youth groups said the 2022 International Youth Day highlights the importance of leveraging the full potential of all generations and fostering equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships across all age group.
“The 2022 International Youth Day will further raise awareness on certain barriers to intergenerational solidarity, notably ageism, which impacts young and old persons, while having detrimental effects on society as a whole.
“In Nigeria, young people continue to experience age-related barriers in various spheres, including institutions, justice and relationships. Ageism in political participation limits young people’s opportunities to contest, and contribute to the decision-making process.“
The event which held to celebrate youth working for a Sustainable Nigeria featured Poetry Performance,
Spotlight Young People, Intergenerational Dialogue, Interlude (Musical performance/dance troupe)
The theme of the 2022 International Youth Day is “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for all Ages”
