UN wants North-East youths inclusion in decision making
…no youths, no future for our race- Actionaid
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has charged the leaders to ensure youths in the North-East are not lagging behind in major economic, political, and governance decisions within the region.
Addressing journalists at the third edition of the North-East Youths in Crisis Conference held in Maiduguri, Christopher Agutu, Localisation Adviser with UNOCHA, called for a collaborative approach between Government and youths to enable productive dialogues.
According to him, the Nigerian youthful population presents advantages that if harnessed, it would enhance self reliance and national growth.
He said, “in North east, one thing we feel needs to be address is the fact that youths have been missing on discussion table. They are not seating on the table where people are discussing and making decisions. They need to be carried along, understand what the government expects from them and also explain to the government and other stakeholders what they need.
“When we look at the technology that exists and you look at the numbers if youths in Nigeria and the whole of Africa, we have about 103 million adolescents in Nigeria. They are the biggest users of these modern technologies, whether in social media platforms or whatever. The youths with their skills can be taken advantaged of, by making sure that we harness the understanding of how they can use those technology to benefit themselves.
“The fact is they need to be supported and guided in terms of getting government support and introducing them to people who can also harness the skills for them.”
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He, however called on youths to engage in constructive advocacy, rooted in respect and critical reasoning.
“Advocacy is not about fighting physically, or by saying, this is the table you must get a sit for me. Rather, it is about engaging, sharing your ideas with the people who are already on the table so that they understand what your needs are, what your advocacy efforts will lead to” he said
He emphasised that “we need to engage with respect. Disorganisation or being too aggressive is not the best way to advocate, but present your ideas and tell them your vision. For instance, highlight how your plans will contribute to nation building”
“Share ideas that people can understand. And when you are also talking to people on the other side, be respectful in terms of engagement. Don’t just say, it is my right, those people also have a right. Therefore, we need to be creative and strategic in terms of engagement”, he advised
Christopher further cautioned youths against denying themselves access to opportunities, adding that every advocacy must be followed with action
“Another thing is, it is not just for them to come out and say, they want income or employment and then go back home. As a youth, you must apply for the job. Don’t just make noise from home and when they say come, you are no-where to be found. Infact, there are times, you will not be invited to some places, you just have to go. Take yourself their. Don’t wait until the governor calls you”, he stressed
Also speaking, David Habba, the Program Specialist for Humanitarian Residents, ActionAid in Nigeria, explained that the Conference was aimed at raising awareness in the needs to involve youths in the North-East in the region’s humanitarian landscape
“At ActionAid, we are very concerned about how young people are engaged, and what they are doing.
“The future of the world is locked up inside the life of young people. If we do not mobilise or support them, it simply means there is no future for our race,” he stated.
