As part of efforts to tackle the current security challenge in Nigeria, the Nigeria Youth Organization and its affiliate bodies has urged the federal government to as a matter of urgency create employment for its teeming youths.
Speaking at a world press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the National Secretary of the group, Mr Duke Alamboye said youths who are jobless have been recruited into social vices and ills including banditry and terrorism.
He emphasised that the recent Abuja-Kaduna train bombing was reportedly carried out by young people between the ages of 19 and 20.
Alamboye expressed worry that despite how blessed the country is, successive governments have not been able to create the needed employment for young people.
He said “it is sad to note that a country with a vast arable land of not less than 40m hectres can’t grow and provide food for its people, a country that boasts of the longest coastal line in West Africa can’t invest hugely in Tourism (a sector that partly sustains the South Africa economy) to employ its people, a country viewed as one of the biggest (if not the biggest) producers of petroleum in Africa is in this economic mess.
“We urge government to take a 360° turn and re-strategize to show commitment in its resolve to create employment and rid our society of terrorism and banditry”.
The youth organization also commended Nigerian youth for their show of resilience, doggedness and fortitude in coping with the harsh and deplorable condition of the country. He however urged them to employ non violent means in expressing their grievances to the leadership of the country.
“The Nigerian youth wakes up each morning confused on how to begin another frustrating day, always at the receiving end of the ongoing crass irresponsibility by leadership at different levels.
“We remind the youths that they account for 50% of registered voters, more than 75% of electoral personnel and 100% of thugs engaged to chase, maim and kill perceived opponents who might turn out to be better leaders to reverse the ugly trend in the country.
“We alert the youths to disbelief mischief makers who incite the innocent people against our country’s present economic woes. If leaders performed well, we would not have found ourselves in this mess in just 7 years therefore we urge our youths to identify the bad and wicked leaders in the parties and vote them out.
“Our resolve and commitment to collaborate with security agencies, government parastatals, embassies of friendly nation’s, international aide and donor organizations in the advocacy project to change the perception of the youth that violence, destruction of lives and property are the key antidotes to oppression and slavery “, he added.
