As the world troops into Abuja to witness the swearing-in of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Nigeria’s president, I thought about the millions of Nigerian youths who have been promised renewed hope. I thought about what the president needs to do to value young people effectively. I thought about the things that I would want Nigeria’s new president to prioritise for younger Nigerians.
The president should actively involve young people in decision-making processes and governance structures. This can be achieved by appointing young individuals to key positions in government and advisory bodies, establishing youth advisory councils, and engaging with youth-led organizations. By providing opportunities for young people to contribute their perspectives and ideas, the president demonstrates that their voices are valued and their opinions matter.
Secondly, the president must prioritise investments in education and skill development programmes specifically designed for young people. This includes ensuring access to quality education, promoting technical and vocational training, and supporting lifelong learning opportunities. By emphasizing education and skills, the president empowers young people to realize their potential, equipping them with the tools necessary to succeed in the evolving job market.
Addressing youth unemployment is crucial. The president should focus on creating an enabling environment for job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This can involve implementing youth employment schemes, supporting startups and small businesses, providing access to finance and mentorship, and promoting entrepreneurship education. The president should also encourage public and private sector collaboration to generate more job opportunities for young people.
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Mr President is well known for his excellent leadership in mentoring others and granting them opportunities to shine. He should therefore prioritize mentorship programmes and leadership development initiatives targeted at young people. This can involve establishing mentorship networks that connect experienced professionals with young individuals, providing leadership training programmes, and creating platforms for knowledge sharing and networking. By nurturing young leaders, the president fosters a culture of growth, empowers young people to take on leadership roles, and ensures a smooth transition of leadership in the future.
In fact, this presidency has to develop and implement policies that specifically address the needs and aspirations of young people. This includes policies related to health, social welfare, housing, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The president should actively seek input from young people in the policy-making process to ensure that their concerns and perspectives are adequately considered.
Importantly, and unequivocally throughout his term, the president should engage in regular dialogue with young people through town hall meetings, youth forums, and digital platforms. This creates opportunities for direct interaction, enables the president to understand the challenges faced by young people, and allows for the exchange of ideas and feedback. By actively listening to young people, the president can demonstrate a genuine commitment to their well-being and inclusion.
Lastly, young people deserve recognition and celebration and as such the president should recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of young people across various fields. This can involve honouring young innovators, artists, athletes, social activists, and community leaders through awards and public recognition. By highlighting the positive impact of young people, the president inspires others and reinforces the value and potential they possess.
Valuing young people requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that encompasses representation, education, employment, mentorship, policy focus, engagement, and recognition. By embracing these strategies, the president can demonstrate a genuine commitment to the youth population, harness their potential, and create a brighter future for Nigeria. If any president can do this, I have high hopes that it is this one. The clock starts today.
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