Nigeria’s social issues are results of youth neglect, says Peter Obi

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has said low investment in Nigerian youths over the years has led to recurring social crises in some parts of the country.

Obi said the government must empower the youth through investment in critical sectors like education, and healthcare to foster development and reduce poverty.

The former Anambra state governor made this known on his X handle Monday in commemoration of the International Youth Day celebrated every 12th of August.

“For a predominantly youthful nation, investing in our youths remains critical to overcoming many of the societal challenges we face today in trying to position the nation on the path of true development.

“Most of the raging issues like insecurity, banditry, violent agitations, and uprisings in many parts of the country are obvious results of youth neglect over the years,” Obi said.

He noted that investments in youth-focused developments will engender a wave of positive transformation and youth productivity which is needed to move the nation forward.

Obi lamented widespread corruption, lack of committed leadership, poor governance, lack of accountability, and self-aggrandizement on the part of Nigerian leaders as impediments to opportunities for the country’s youthful population to progress and succeed.

While youth unemployment has continued to rise in Nigeria, there is yet no marked improvement in the education and skill equipment of our youths, Obi said.

Nigeria boasts of a large youthful population with about 70 per cent under 30 and 42 per cent under age 15 but many are unemployed and lack access to quality education, limiting their abilities to contribute to the country.

“Our average secondary school enrolment remains low at 28%, while the global average is 80%. Our average tertiary school enrolment remains low at 15%, while the global average is 55%,” he stated.

“This does not indicate a nation that cares for the future of its youthful population,” the former Anambra governor lamented.