By Erasmus Ikhide
Apparently worried by the rate of unemployment in Nigeria, a leading economic expert, Professor Patrick Utomi has called on the federal government to embrace youth empowerment as a panacea to the lingering economic problem in the country.
Utomi at the national launch of YouthCan!, an initiative by SOS children’s Village in Lagos, averred that Nigeria’s dwindling economy needs to be taken over by knowledgeable youths in order to gain balance.
Lauren Quinn, Ms. Charity Ozims, Mr. Steve Obasohan, Mr. Linus Okorie,
Mrs. Ini Abimbola, Mrs. Omolara Elemide.
“We need to invest more in the youths in this country if we care about tomorrow. Human capital cannot be overemphasized in any economy and as such, our youths in this country are our strengths which the federal government should invest in.”
The professor Utomi also lauded the initiative of SOS children’s villages international on YouthCan to eradicate the looming unemployment syndrome facing over 60% youths in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Budget of the Federation, Dr. Ben Akabueze, has said failure of government to address and proffer solution to the unemployment challenges in the past led to the current unemployment crisis in the country.
Akabueze who was represented at the event by his technical assistant, Yinka Babalola, while commending Youthcan initiatives by SOS children’s villages, said the federal government was determined to create about 15million job in the country by 2020.
Speaking for Lagos state, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, executive secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund maintained that “Lagos State Government will support and partner with SOS children village on the Youthcan initiative as it will go a long way to restore hope in Nigerian youths that have been swept aside by the wind of unemployment in the country.
The Managing Director, DHL Express, Muyiwa Adeseyoju, said the company was in partnership with SOS children’s village Nigeria in order to adequately groom young people with necessary tools and prepare them for challenges associated with job market in the country.
“Youth unemployment is a huge global problem with more than 70 million people unable to secure jobs. Currently in Nigeria, 24% of employable population are unemployed. But with YouthCan initiatives, I want to assure that young people would be baked to be successful employed in the country.
Linus Okorie, Dr. Mimi Abu, Chef. Muyiwa Saheed.
Appreciating the presence of partners at the program, the Country Direct of SOS Children’s Village, Nigeria, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, reiterated that the Youthcan initiative will help to eradicate unemployment in the country in due course.
“Unemployment is one of the major issues affecting Nigeria’s economy and its society. The rate of unemployment has increased during the last few years due to fallout from the economic challenges.
“According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, 38% of the population that falls within the employable age are 65% of Nigerian youth who are faced with unemployment as at September 2016.
“The consequences of unemployment in Nigeria includes but not limited to; reduction in the national output of goods and services, increased rural turban migration, high level of poverty, increase in the number of dependent people, high rate of crime and criminality.”
He however maintained that the initiative will also provide an opportunity for young people who have lost parental care and would be sufficiently enhanced for the job market.
