By Amadin Idahosa
Young Ambassadors for Development, YAD, has posited that the inclusion of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions.
YAD is the youth arm of the African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development, Centre LSD.
The group stated this when it joined the rest of the world to commemorate August 12, which is International Youth Day in Abuja.
Communicating YAD’s message, Frances Igwilo, the Youth Champion, hinted that Africa as a continent is blessed with a growing young population that presents a powerful opportunity for accelerated growth, development and innovation.
“The energy and vibrancy that comes with the youth if properly harnessed, can be an effective way to not only promote development but also afford them the space to contribute to the economy wherever they may be found.” He said.
This year’s theme, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes.
It also hopes to draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.
Igwilo stressed that “For Nigeria whose teaming youths have limited roles and opportunities both in governance and the economy, a day like this, presents an opportunity for government and stakeholders to reflect on the challenges young people face in all ramifications and proffer solutions that are strategic towards ameliorating the youth conundrum in the country.
“A return to the dictates of the Nigerian National Youth Policy will be a right step in the right direction. Nigeria and its leadership must begin to engage the youth for national development.”
Meanwhile, YAD enjoins stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations at all levels as well as the International donor bodies, to leverage on this opportunity to highlight and support programming that resonates with the youth.
The group also stressed that youths must see themselves as agents of change and a category on which the future rests on.
“We enjoin all Nigerians to support the #Youth4GlobalAction2020, as the International Youth Day is set aside to celebrate young people all over the world.” YAD stated.
