IYD: ACOE Tasks Nigerian Youths to Shun Violence, Embrace Civic Participation
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IYD: ACOE Tasks Nigerian Youths to Shun Violence, Embrace Civic Participation
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Association of Corporate Editors, ACOE has urged Nigerian youths to remain resilient, shun violence and actively participate in the country’s development as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.
The Chairman of ACOE, Sola Akingboye, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate the annual event.
Akingboye acknowledged the significant contributions of young Nigerians to the nation’s social, economic and political development, stressing that their energy, creativity and capacity remained critical to building a better Nigeria.
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He urged youths to remain focused and committed to pursuing their aspirations while contributing positively to national development.
The ACOE chairman also appealed to members of the older generation to create more opportunities for young people to demonstrate their talents, acquire relevant skills and contribute meaningfully to society.
He said Nigerian youths possessed the potential to drive positive change but required adequate support, encouragement and opportunities from older generations and relevant institutions to realise their full potential.
However, Akingboye cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used for violence, political thuggery and other social vices capable of jeopardising their future.
He warned that involvement in violent and destructive activities could truncate the aspirations of young Nigerians and deprive the country of the benefits of their talents and abilities.
The ACOE chairman further encouraged youths to take a greater interest in governance and democratic processes, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
He called on them to participate actively and massively in the elections, stressing that fulfilling their civic responsibilities was essential to ensuring that their interests were adequately represented in national decision-making.
According to him, greater youth participation in governance would help ensure that the hopes, aspirations and concerns of young Nigerians received proper attention in the formulation and implementation of government policies.
Akingboye also commended the National Youth Council of Nigeria and the Ministry of Youth Development for their efforts towards making Nigerian youths more productive and resourceful.
He said the contributions of both institutions to youth development deserved continued support and recognition.
International Youth Day is observed annually to draw attention to issues affecting young people and celebrate their contributions to society.
Akingboye urged Nigerian youths to use the occasion to renew their commitment to peace, responsible citizenship, innovation and national development.
He assured young Nigerians that stakeholders across the country would continue to support initiatives aimed at empowering them and creating opportunities for them to contribute to Nigeria’s growth.
