By Priscilla Osaje

The Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), has called on the Federal Government to address challenges affecting the youths in order to propel them to contribute to nation building.

The Programme Manager of NGYouthSDGs, Ms Opeyemi Ogundeji made the call at a joint news conference to commemorate the International Youth Day celebration on Monday in Abuja.

The news conference, with the theme “From Awareness to Action:Empowerimg Youths in Nigeria for the SDGs” is sponsored by Oxfam in Nigeria, and African Activists for Climate Justice.

Others sponsors are, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP),  International Labour Organisation,  Amnesty International Nigeria,  Aid for Rural Education Advancement Initiative and Connected Development..

“One thing I believe is that, the young people are the ones that know the problem or challenges that is particular to them.

“We call on the Federal Government to look into the problems or challenges affecting the youths in this country. This will enable them participate in taking Nigeria to a greater height.

“Though Nigeria is great, but young people’s contribution can make it a greater country. They are already localising actions for SDGs in different communities,” she said.

Mr Ojouluwa Oluwatobiloba, the 2024 Oxfam Green Challenge Winner, underscored the immense potentials of Nigerian youths and the need to encourage them.

He said he was inspired into the brain challenge to showcase his innovation to impact the society.

“The brain challenge was an opportunity for the youths to showcase what they do to the world for visibility, sponsorship and to bring about sustainable solution to the world.

“What we did was that, we went to schools and established eco-gardens.

“This is because, for anyone to have a sound education, he or she must be well fed, and that is what brought about the idea to revive the school garden initiative in Oyo State.

“We were able to service 10 schools, raise future food leaders to keep up with food production in Nigeria and Africa and also train over 10, 000 students on AI mobile application, ” Oluwatobiloba said.

The programme manager of GIFSEP, Mr Joseph Ibrahim, said the older generation got opportunities to handle leadership at young age.

He cited the example of Retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of States at the age of 28.

“Today, those old generation are still in power. They should also give the youths of today the opportunities to impact on the development of the country.

“That is why we are here to commemorate the International Youth Day, discussed and bring out actionable plans to offer to government.

“I believe that when the old and young generation comes together to collaborate on nation building, lofty achievements will be made.

“Government at all levels need to listen to the youths,” Ibrrahim said. (NAN)