Nigerian Youths Demand Change: A Call to Action for Sustainable Development
Hundreds of Nigerian youths gathered in the nation’s capital to demand swift action from the government to address the country’s most pressing development challenges. The International Youth Day event, co-hosted by the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) and Oxfam in Nigeria, brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to emphasize the urgent need for investment in education, employment, climate action, and gender equality.
Speakers at the event decried the glaring disconnect between Nigeria’s leaders and its youth, lamenting the lack of opportunities and support for young people. “The current generation of leaders had opportunities when they were young, but have failed to provide the same for us,” said one speaker. “It’s time for change.”
Opeyemi Ogundeji, Programme Manager at NGYouthSDGs, struck a note of optimism, stating that Nigeria is on track to achieving its youth-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but emphasized the need for intensified action. “We’re making progress, but we can’t afford to slow down now,” she urged.
The event celebrated the achievements of ten outstanding young individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing the SDGs, and honored five champions of environmental sustainability. Participants engaged in lively discussions with policymakers, changemakers, and peers, sharing ideas and best practices to drive collective progress.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the need for intergenerational collaboration and accountability. Joseph Ibrahim, Programme Manager at Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, noted that many leaders underestimate the value of youth contributions. Maxwell Osarenkhoe, Communication Officer at Oxfam in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of holding grassroots leaders accountable, stressing that citizens must look beyond the federal government for solutions.
