A brief writeup of how Nigeria as a country can experience significant socioeconomic development through the appreciative approaches and inclusion of youths in initiatives and programs that foster development and progress.

1. HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ROLE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE NATION’S EFFORT
FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS?
A FOCUS ON NIGERIAN YOUTHS AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF NIGERIA
ABIDEMI ABIODUN ANIMASHAUN
17TH JULY, 2019
National development is a term that describes the level of social, economic and technological
advancement, expansion and progress experienced by a country within a period of time, which
can be measured using certain key indexes such as increased GDP (Gross Domestic Product),
employment rate, technological innovation, life expectancy, industrialisation, etc.
Youth is a prime stage of life where energy, innovative ideas, enthusiasmto explore and invest
are mostly discovered, that is, the ability to think creatively and contribute significantly towards
development.
The increased involvement and participation of young people in decision and policy making
processes on national issues would move them from stage of being passive to being active
which will bring about fresh, new and innovative ideas for sustainable development.
The “Not Too Young To Rule” Bill signed into law by the incumbent President of Nigeria on May
31, 2018 is a typical instance of an inclusion legislation in recent times that has spurred the
interests of aspiring young leaders to run for elected offices to manage the country’s resources.
Such law restores confidence, loyalty, spirit of patriotism and willingness to commit resources
towards the nation’s development in young people.
Another positive effect of socio-political inclusion of young people is seamless conviction of
other young professionals and experts in diaspora to return to the country, as well as
encourage many young innovators who plan to emigrate to stay back to contribute their skills
and expertise towards the development of Nigeria.

2. Youth inclusion builds the capacity of the younger generation to understand past and present
socioeconomic situations of the country, predict future outcomes and consequences, cope
effectively, and act proactively by planning and preparing ahead in dealing effectively with
issues as they arise. Also, provision of an enabling environment for ideas to thrive by the
Nigerian government would activate new business that would attract foreign investment and
boost the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Nigeria.
The N-Power initiative introduced by the Federal Government of Nigeria to empower youths in
Nigeria for prosperity is one of such intervention strategies that generate sense of involvement
and fulfilment among highly motivated young people who are often at the early stage of their
careers and professional paths.
Giving priority to young people in the field of innovation and technological education to
improve the manufacturing sector such as the automobile industry would aid in increasing
employment opportunities, consumption of indigenous products and reduction in cost of
imported technologies. Example is the Lion Ozumba 551, a five-seater electric car made by a
team of University of Nigeria, Nsukka Engineering students in 2019.
In the education sector, more young outstanding graduates can be retained in tertiary
institutions to drive quality research, transfer of learning and impartation of innovative
thoughts to students. This would not only make tertiary institutions in Nigeria competent,
competitive and reliable as other institutions of the world but also produce enterprising and
solution-driven Nigerian graduates through knowledge and skills acquired from these
enthusiastic and intellectual young academicians.
Young Nigerian coming together to organise campaigns, workshops and discussions are also
great avenues the youths can influence government decisions, policies, and actions that affect
them and key sectors of the nation’s economy.
Conclusively, giving a voice to young people is sacrosanct and non-negotiable because they are
a crucial social group and actors would significantly shape the political, educational social and
economic outlook of Nigeria.