By Henry Umahi
The International Youth Day is an important date in the calendar of the United Nations (UN). It is commemorated on August 12 every year, “bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.” The theme of this year’s event was, Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a world for all ages.
According to the United Nations, “to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world needs to leverage the full potential of all generations. Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development. We must collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure ‘no one is left behind.”
As the world celebrated its youth, Nigeria was not left out. The event was hosted in Lagos by International Parliament for Safety, Peace and Justice United Nations (African chapter) under the chairmanship of Amb. Akachi George Obasi.
At the occasion, Nigerian youths were counselled and admonished on the the things to embrace and those to run away from. The government was also implored to invest in the youth to ensure a positive future for the country.
In his opening remark, Obasi maintained that the place of young people is not in doubt. According to him, the future of the country depends on the young people, stressing that any country that does not invest in young people is doomed.
Take this from him: “As it is said, if you fail to plan, you have automatically planned to fail. Any government that failed to invest in her young people should be ready for the consequences of such thoughtlessness. The future starts today and tomorrow can only be meaningful if you invest wisely and conscientiously.”
Obasi, who is popularly known as Ebo Ebo, argued that young Nigerians should not be idle, saying they should be empowered with skills for them to be gainfully employed or set up their own enterprises so that society will benefit from the social and economic impact. He said young people should be encouraged to play in the major league, not as fringe players but as top players.
“We need to empower the youths to be actively involved in the politics and administration of Nigeria. It is time to let the young ones with modern technological know-how to pilot the affairs of this nation.
“Nigeria is at a very wrong place and can only be rescued by someone with modern knowledge and ideas. We need problem solvers. We need people with Midas touch and young people can provide that. There are young Nigerians performing wonders all over the world. Nigeria is blessed abundantly with intelligent and creative youths. All they need to thrive is a conducive environment. Youth emancipation and empowerment is crucial at this critical time of the history.”
The Lord African President, International Parliament for Safety, Peace and Justice United Nations, Prof. Esapa Joseph Dominion, remarked that he considered himself “lucky and privileged to be part of this epoch making event, and most importantly the opportunity to contribute on the subject: ‘Creating a world for all ages’ through intergenerational solidarity.”
Dominion also talked about the global report on ageism launched by the United Nations in March 2021, highlighting the many data gaps that exists with regards to ageism against youths.
He said:”These age related obstacles have deeply affected the wellbeing and livelihood, not only during youthful years but also adulthood and old age. Ageism prevents us from thinking and designing policies and social services that adopts life course approach that are fair to all ages. It was with these consciousness that the young continued reporting age related barriers in various spheres of life such as employment and political
participation, among others.”
Dominion said the barriers gave rise to the agitation and call for ‘not too young to run’ bill as well as the creation of the Nigeria Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).
According to him, “the first thing that we have to ensure for the development of our country is that the youth of our country get an opportunity for education. It is obvious that your mission is the preservation of the peace, unity and prosperity of our country, beyond the inescapable constraints due to the changes taking place in the world.”
Dominion, who was represented, added: “Peace is prerequisite for progress. As you are aware, it has been threatened for a few years now in our country by armed gangs that are spreading terron on the western border of the far north, and in some areas in the North West and South West. Our eastern border is also facing insecurity.”
For Dominion, peace is golden. He further said: “Nation building is the responsibility of all of us. It requires a spirit of harmony and tolerance among citizens. I, therefore, urge you to cultivate this spirit at all times, and to champion peace in order not to squander the opportunities that your country is offering you.”
In his welcome address, the African Global Regulator Director, Nigeria Acting Youth President, Dr Odii Orji Umahi, decried the pathetic state of Nigeria’s economy. Referring to the revelation by the minister of finance on the state of Nigeria’s economy, he said that “the pitiable situation we have found ourselves in this country as a people leaves much to be desired. Our economic outlook as a country is very unpleasant and discouraging, projecting Nigeria in a dismal pedestal in the comity of nations. Believe me, a lot have happened in our economy and it seems we have entirely missed the track where we cannot generate enough money to service our debt. Are we not tired of the insecurity ravaging the country.”
Umahi stressed that there is need to reinvent the the country “to save it from collapsing, hence the call for intergenerational solidarity by youths who are the major victims of the stranglehold of this economic stringency. No wonder the fight against poverty has had limited, real and sustainable results. However, the current focus on social inclusion as essential to the eradication of poverty brought renewed energy and vision to the battle.”
Umahi challenged the youths to rise up to the occasion through meaningful engagements and robust intellectual offerings.
He said: “Young people are the most disproportionately affected by poverty; not only that the number living in poverty is dramatically larger than that of other groups. However, it is universally agreed that special attention should be given to youths as one of the most vulnerable groups in the society and particularly susceptible to social exclusion and intergenerational poverty.
“It is now left for the youths to leverage on this opportunity and emancipate themselves. It is on this that make this call for a synergy from all to break away from these shackles of economic doldrum and secular stagnation. It’s now glaringly obvious that the government alone cannot provide our needed means of livelihood; the call for less dependency on government is necessary and the time is now to embrace personal development, skills acquisition and self actualisation etcetera with less emphasis on paper qualifications. Most importantly, they should shun social vices. And the time is now.”
Ambassador Olabode Olatosin spoke about drugs and substance abuse among youths.
He said: “Drug abuse, particularly among the youth, is one of the major social challenges currently confronting the nation and one that calls for urgent attention.
“Nigeria was listed recently among countries of the world that have not been able to fight this problem effectively. The problem, instead of diminishing is growing at an alarming rate and has the potential of assuming a crises dimension, if not tackled timely, firmly and decisively.”
Olatosin enumerated the causes of drug abuse as peer pressure, depression, unemployment, ignorance, frustration, lack of parental care, curiosity, social media and influence of culture and society.
Similarly, one of the guests, Senior Evangelist Chimezie Obasi, spoke about the consequences of drug abuse by the youth.
According to him, “negative consequences of youth drug abuse might include drug dependence. Youths who misuse drugs are at increased risk of serious drug use later in life.
“Youth’s drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions. Drug use is associated with high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy.
“Drug use can complicate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
“Driving under the influence of any drug can impair a driver’s motor skills, putting the driver, passengers and others on the road at risk.
“Substance use can result in a decline in academic performance.”
Chimezie Obasi added that “drug use can result in drug addiction, serious impairment, illness and death.”
He advised parents to “have multiple conversations with your youth about drug and alcohol use. Choose times when you’re unlikely to be interrupted and set aside phones. It’s also important to know when not to have a conversation, such as when you’re angry with your child, you aren’t prepared to answer questions or your child is drunk or high.”
“Pay attention to your youty whereabouts. Find out what adult-supervised activities your youth is interested in and encourage him or her to get involved.
“Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules, such as leaving a party where drug use occurs and not riding in a car with a driver who’s been using drugs. If your teen breaks the rules, consistently enforce consequences.
“Know your youth’s friends. If your youth’s friends use drugs, your youth might feel pressure to experiment, too. Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home.
“Offer praise and encouragement when your youth succeeds. A strong bond between you and your teen might help prevent your teen from using drugs.
“Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed. Don’t use illicit drugs.”
One of the highpoints of the event was the presentation of awards to some Nigerians who distinguished themselves in various spheres. They include Akachi George Obasi, Dr Stanley Ngene, Chief Jackie Adunni Kassim, Capt. James Ani and Chinedu Moses Obasi.