UNDP seeks youth inclusion in nation building

The current situation in the country where youths from the various geo-political zones are agitating for secession and issuing quit notices has shown the need for inclusion of youths in major peace and nation building programmes where they can contribute their quota in sustaining peace, Country Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr Samuel Bwalya, has said.

Speaking yesterday at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, Abuja, in commemoration of the International Youths Day, he said although some youths have availed themselves to play ‘constructive’ roles in the society, there was need to get more youths involved in social, economic and political spaces to get their voices heard in the society.

Represented by the Head, Governance and Peace Building department, UNDP, Adam Bergman, he noted the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) which provides a global framework for youth engagement in peace building as well as elevate the role of the youths in peace processes, participation, protection and partnership to strengthen peace building.

While presenting a paper titled ‘Youth Building Peace’ at the event, Chief Executive, Omaji Leadership Solutions, Prof. Paul Omaji, said any nation that mismanages its youths has compromised its future, hence the need to engage them actively in peace and nation building activities.

He noted that youths have ideas to ensure development if they are channelled properly. Representing the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Suleiman Kazaure, Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Mrs Bose Okakwu, said in the 44 years of the scheme’s existence, the Corps members have promoted peace and harmony by serving their fatherland in diverse communities.

He said the youths are also empowered with various entrepreneurial skills that will help them become self-reliant after their service year and also help them employ other youths.

Speaking during a discussion panel session, a Corps member, Isaac Idoko, said a hungry youth is vulnerable and can be used by any one ready to provide him with the basic needs of life.

He called on the government to provide jobs or conducive environment for entrepreneurs. Idoko commended the not-tooyoung-to-run bill that was passed by the National Assembly recently, saying it would give youths inclusion in the political arena.