A Forum, Nigerian Youths Futures Fund (NYFF) and other youth-led organisations and stakeholders have commended the federal government’s efforts in ensuring that young Nigerians are given sense of belonging in the affairs of the country.
The groups, however, demanded for more youth-led solutions and strengthen civic participation for national progress.
Addressing a press conference Friday in Abuja as part of activities marking 2025 National Youth Day, Haruna Godiya of LEAP Africa, said young Nigerians must not only be beneficiaries of policies but active co-drivers of national progress.
Godiya acknowledged and commended the federal government’s growing efforts to support youth empowerment through programmes such as Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT), Programme Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).
According to him, these initiatives represent steps toward addressing the challenges of unemployment, educational access, and digital skills development.
“NELFUND, in particular, has the potential to widen educational opportunities for young Nigerians from low-income families.
“However, for these interventions to achieve their intended impact, they must be co-created with youth. We therefore urge the Federal Government to institutionalise youth representation and accountability mechanisms within these programmes — including a Youth Advisory Body for NELFUND — to ensure transparency, responsiveness, and equitable access.”
Other speakers included Paul Oladipupo of the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, Nafisa Atiku of NAF Foundation for Young Women, Maimuna Sani of Youth for Community Engagement Coordination, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, Samira Usman of Television and Dr. Onyeche Agbiti-Douglas, the Project Director, Nigeria Youth Futures Fund.
The youth organizations demanded a full implementation and periodic review of the National Youth Policy, backed by funding, transparency, and youth-led monitoring.
It also asked for the Institutionalisation of open governance frameworks — including participatory budgeting, youth advisory councils, and digital accountability platforms at all levels of government.
Also, the forum demanded for increased investment in youth innovation, digital skills, and community development, enabling local youth actions to directly advance the SDGs.
According to speakers, from peace-building in rural communities to innovation in tech hubs, youths continue to create impact that transforms lives and systems. Yet, many still face barriers of access to resources, platforms, and trust.
“We call on all stakeholders, that is, government, private sector, civil society, and international partners, to partner with young people not merely as beneficiaries but as co-creators of solutions. Genuine partnership means shifting from rhetoric to sustained investment, collaboration, and shared accountability.”
While calling for unity among the young Nigerians, the Forum envisioned a country where youth voices are not just heard but heeded, where innovation is rewarded, and where young people have the opportunities, tools, and freedom to shape their own future.
“Together, we can build a nation that reflects the dynamism and promise of its youth- a Nigeria where every young person can contribute meaningfully to a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
“Our message is clear: the time for inclusion is now. The future is not an event we await — it is something we are building, here and now, in every community, through the hands and hearts of young Nigerians. Let this Youth Day renew our collective resolve to move from promises to partnership.”
Source: The Blueprint
