Neglect of Youth Dangerous for Nigeria’s Future – Jega
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Neglect of Youth Dangerous for Nigeria’s Future – Jega
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has warned that Nigeria risks deeper socio-economic setbacks unless deliberate steps are taken to engage and empower the country’s growing youth population.
Jega gave the warning in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the 10th anniversary of I Am Change (IAC), held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Ladi Kwali Hall.
The event had the theme: “10 Years of Impact: Changing Lives, One Act at a Time.”
He commended the organisation for sustaining a decade of consistent engagement in youth development, civic sensitisation, humanitarian support and community-building projects.
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According to him, nurturing such institutions in the present climate where self-interest and individualism are increasingly prevalent is both challenging and commendable.
Jega said IAC’s work demonstrates that young Nigerians thrive when they are given room to apply their creativity and initiative.
“What the work of IAC has shown clearly is that it is better to enable our youth to become constructively engaged for enhanced progress and development,” he said.
He stressed that government must continue to widen the space for young people and support those committed to positive change.
The former INEC boss urged federal and state governments to seek out credible youth-led organisations and empower them with resources and opportunities to drive meaningful development.
He lamented that despite frequent political rhetoric about youth empowerment, little has been done to ensure that young Nigerians are adequately prepared for leadership roles.
Jega noted that many young people who manage to complete their education still struggle to find employment, leaving them vulnerable to recruitment as political thugs or as followers of political godfathers.
Others, he said, have become disillusioned and withdrawn from democratic processes.
According to him, this trend poses grave consequences for Nigeria’s future.
“It looks gloomy, with dire negative consequences for our socio-economic progress,” he said. “The potential of many young women and men is being undermined.”
He added that Nigeria must significantly increase investments in education, skills acquisition and job creation, but warned that such efforts must be well-planned and sustainably implemented to avoid being “too little, too late.”
Jega also called on citizens to take their civic responsibilities seriously by engaging government at all levels in a constructive, non-partisan manner.
He said Nigeria’s challenges require more than temporary measures or excuses, but focused, ethical and evidence-based action.
Turning to IAC, Jega urged the organisation not to become complacent despite a decade of achievements. “Do not let the commendations be too sweet to your ears,” he warned.
“Organize better and forge more constructive partnerships for greater and more impactful change.”
He encouraged the group to embrace a broader operational approach in the coming decade, moving from “One Act at a Time” to “Many Impactful Endeavours Simultaneously,” noting that the current era demands flexibility and expanded reach.
