As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2022 International Youth Day (IYD2022) today (August 12, 2022), themed “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages,” an international non-governmental organisation Christian Aid Nigeria has touted young people as an essential component in providing solutions to some fundamental challenges facing the country.
The country director, Christian Aid (UK) Nigeria, Temitope Fashola urged all government parastatals, agencies, employers of labour and custodians of culture to adopt a social inclusion strategy that will foster leadership, development and meaningful participation of youth at all levels (economic, social, political and cultural) and in all spheres (family, community, organisations and religious institutions), thereby giving young the voice to speak out against injustice.
The organisation called for the inclusion of Nigerian youths at all levels and spheres as its country office joined the global community to mark the 2022 International Youth Day.
“This year, the International Youth Day provides another opportunity for the recognition of the uniqueness of Nigerian youths and reiterate their pivotal role in nation-building. Despite the marginalisation they face based on age and experience, we cannot overemphasise their critical thinking ability and the untapped potential they possess.
“Without the participation of youth in national development, ownership and sustainability of change interventions become unattainable. We cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without the concerted effort of all generations as we all must keep up with the global commitment of leaving no one behind,” he said.
Fashola asserted that Christian Aid prioritises inclusion; hence, the development of a robust youth engagement strategy that guides the organisation’s youth development programmes such as its youth internship and development of employability skills.
“We will continue to promote youth participation and intergenerational collaboration as part of our commitment towards achieving social inclusion in Nigeria,” he added.
A statement by the senior communications coordinator, Christian Aid (UK) Nigeria, Kehinde Afolabi, assured that Christian Aid stands in solidarity with all stakeholders, especially the youths, who are working endlessly to create a world for all ages.
