A non-governmental organization, the No Justice, No Peace Initiative, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize tackling the escalating issues of unemployment and fostering genuine skills development for Nigerian youths. National Coordinator Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen emphasized that unemployment has emerged as a significant challenge, contributing to heightened militancy, violent crimes, kidnappings, restiveness, and socially delinquent behavior among the youth.
Comrade Agberen highlighted the profound impact of unemployment on both individuals and society, citing psychological and economic repercussions. He asserted that addressing unemployment would lead to a considerable reduction in issues such as insecurity and other social menaces.
In a statement sent to the media, Agberen stated, “It is a sacred obligation for the Nigerian government to take proper care of the citizens it governs; otherwise, they will devise dubious means for survival, threatening the very existence of society.” He expressed disappointment in the government’s efforts since the inception of democratic governance in 1999, criticizing the lack of improvement in human rights protections and the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
The statement also pointed out the concerning trend of graduates facing uncertain futures, despite the high enrollment in Nigerian universities. Agberen criticized previous empowerment schemes, including the recently canceled NPOWER scheme, accusing them of lacking sustainable values and becoming avenues for corruption rather than fostering youth development.
