Youth restiveness in Nigeria has become a pressing issue, threatening the country’s peace, security, and development. With over 60% of its population under 25, Nigeria’s future is deeply connected to the well-being and empowerment of its youth.
Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Global Human Capital & Energy Management
*Root Causes of Youth Restiveness*
Several factors contribute to youth restiveness in Nigeria, including:
– _Unemployment_: High unemployment rates among young Nigerians, approximately 40% according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
– _Lack of Education and Skills Development_: Limited access to quality education and skills development opportunities
– _Poverty and Economic Inequality_: High poverty rates and economic inequality creating frustration and disillusionment among young people
– _Political Disenfranchisement_: Feelings of exclusion and disenfranchisement from the political process
– _Family and Social Factors_: Broken homes, lack of parental guidance, and social media influence
– _Religious and Ethnic Tensions_: Conflicts arising from Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic landscape
– _Political Thuggery and Violence_: Use of young people as political thugs and prevalence of violence in politics
*Solutions and Recommendations*
To address youth restiveness, the following solutions are recommended:
– _Enhance Education and Skills Development_: Improve access to quality education and skills development opportunities
– _Promote Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship_: Implement policies prioritizing job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities
– _Strengthen Political and Civic Engagement_: Promote youth participation in governance through initiatives like youth councils and mentorship programs
– _Address Poverty and Economic Inequality_: Implement policies addressing poverty and economic inequality
– _Family and Community Support_: Strengthen family and community support systems
– _Interfaith and Interethnic Dialogue_: Promote dialogue to reduce tensions and conflicts
– _Security Sector Reform_: Reform the security sector to prevent use of young people as political thugs and reduce violence in politics
Additionally, considering the following can further enhance the solutions:
– Implementing policies and programs that address the root causes of youth restiveness
– Establishing youth parliament, youth councils, and mentorship programs to strengthen political and civic engagement
– Recruiting, monitoring, training, and retraining Voluntary Uniform Organizations to complement conventional security architectures
– Addressing intergenerational conflict amongst the youth and providing rehabilitation programs for thugs
– Empowering security policing and establishing standard rehabilitation centers
By working together, we can empower young Nigerians, reduce youth restiveness, and create a more stable and prosperous society for all.
In order to effectively address the root causes of youth restiveness in Niger State, it is essential that the Niger State Chapter of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) Youth Empowerment Initiative and the Niger State Government work together to implement the recommended solutions.
Some potential areas of collaboration could include:
– *Establishing Youth Empowerment Programs*: The Niger State Government could partner with CONYSSA to establish youth empowerment programs that provide training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people in the state.
– *Promoting Youth Participation in Governance*: CONYSSA and the Niger State Government could work together to promote youth participation in governance through initiatives such as youth councils, mentorship programs, and leadership training.
– *Addressing Poverty and Economic Inequality*: The Niger State Government could implement policies and programs aimed at addressing poverty and economic inequality, such as social safety nets, job creation initiatives, and economic empowerment programs.
– *Security Sector Reform*: CONYSSA and the Niger State Government could collaborate on security sector reform initiatives aimed at preventing the use of young people as political thugs and reducing violence in politics.
By working together, CONYSSA, the Niger State Government, and other stakeholders can help empower young Nigerians, reduce youth restiveness, and create a more stable and prosperous society for all.
