Nigeria has no business being rated among poor nations of the world given its human and natural resources. But in reality, this dreaded scenario is the naked truth that stares unashamedly on the faces of everyone living in the polity. Statistically speaking in the last couple of years, Nigeria's economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world while its people are the most impoverished in real terms. The events of last March 15, where millions of people scampered for about 4500 job vacancies advertised by the Nigeria Immigration Service leading to the death of about eighteen of them in an unwarranted stampede betrays the idiosyncrasy of the Nation's nominal growth without corresponding development. With global unemployment projected to reach over 215 million by 2018, experts fear that Africa, particularly Nigeria's share of the global scourge might increase disproportionately, with attendant unsavoury consequences unless the country immediately adopts pro-active and holistic approach to halt the rising youth unemployment.

It is axiomatic to posit that there is a linkage between youth and national development. This intercourse is not only symbiotically connected; but, one depends on the other for its sustenance. Therefore, the role of youth on national development can not be over emphasised. The wheel of development of any country lies on the shoulder of how productive and creative the youthful populations are. The youth in any society are the engine of growth and development; because, they provide the labour force for production of goods and service to take effect. And also, are the critical masses of people, whose action and inaction can develop or destroy the hegemonies/fabrics of their society. For example according to the 2006 census, the youthful population constituted over 70% of the population. So, therefore, this quantum of population is a great asset for the Nigerian state if they are harnessed and utilized in the right direction. Interestingly, the transition of society from one generation to another is critical to the formative and developmental aspiration of such society. That, is why society that prepare their youth for the sake of future aspiration will not only secure her future development; but, will prepare her next set of leaders with the challenges of national reconciliation and development. So, therefore, the role of youth on national development is sacrosanct to the whole developmental aspiration of any society. The youth are the cornerstone to societal rejuvenation. Societies are not only recreated through the youthful population, but, youth are often referring to as leaders of tomorrow. "The youths bulge represents both a challenge and an opportunity for development. For example, in Uganda it is estimated that the country needs to create over 600,000 new jobs per year for the next 12 years-equivalent to the total size of the formal employment sector at present. If this is not achieved, it will be impossible to reach the Millennium Development Goals targets, particularly on extreme poverty and hunger (MDG 1), child mortality (MDG 4), and environmental sustainability (MDG 7) (World Bank, 2010). Many of the youths who are productive and energetic remain unemployed, continue to suffer from poor health, and lack sufficient support. Some of them have special needs that require attention. These include those living on the streets, those living with HIV/AIDS, the girls and those with disabilities. It is perplexing to say, that, no nation will experience development when the preponderance of the population that constitutes the largest percentage of the population are idle and ineffective. So, therefore, the youths have a greater role to play on national development. It has been suggested that Nigeria could by 2030 reap the benefits of what some called a "demographic dividend" if it invest now in human development. Nigeria current , 2014 2 SINGAPOREAN JOuRNAl Of buSINESS EcONOmIcS, ANd mANAGEmENt StudIES VOl.3, NO. 165 demographic structures could be future assets when a demographic window of opportunity opens as fert...

As the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) prepares to review the country intergovernmental fiscal relations, one begins to wonder if there is, indeed any justification for increased revenue to the states. And on account of very poor performance, justification for the existence of most local councils is a lot more difficult than finding out how much the federal government actually does for the populace. Under the current revenue sharing formula, the federal government takes 52.68 percent, the states 26.72 percent and the local governments, 20.60 percent with 13 percent derivation revenue going to the oil producing states. This paper seeks to examine the pros and cons of a new revenue formula, the desperation for increased revenue from the Governors. It goes on to show with empirical evidences the states' desperation in their penchant for borrowing from local banks, foreign loans, sale of bond and by flexing their strong political muscles to cause to depletion of the Excess Revenue Account. The paper concludes by positing that the litany of poor socio economic amenities, like health care, educational facilities and potable water, months of unpaid salaries are common features hidden by boastful talk and deceptive propaganda should be used as indices for denying the states any additional revenue.

The most significant ingredient of life is health. No wonder the oft-spoken slogan: "Health is wealth", has remained evergreen in our memory. This is why inasmuch as life is the greatest gift of God to man, the provision of health care facilities is needed in superfluity in order that life may be sustained on earth. Unfortunately, in Nigeria today, the provision of health care facilities seems to be at low ebb as many Nigerian are vulnerably exposed to the danger of death. This situation gives the ugly impression that the political office holders appear to be paying lip service to their dauntless statements that health care facilities would be made available at every nook and cranny of the polity. Worried by this perplexing situation, the paper attempts to investigate the decays in the Nigeria's health system and seeks to proffer ways which the populace can enjoy a healthier and longer life.

Blood has been literally, flowing in the streets of Abuja, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, Suleja and Maiduguri. Lives have been lost and property worth millions, destroyed. Apparently, there is no end in sight for this ugly development. No Nigerian is insulated from bomb explosion. Churches, mosques and corporate offices are not spared. In Lagos former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Alani Akinrinade, urged the government to find a solution, warning that Nigeria was about being assailed by urban guerilla. Across the country, the fear of Boko Haram sect has become the beginning of wisdom. The violence unleashed by Boko Haram has been perfectly complemented by armed robbery and ritual killings across the six geo political zones. Ethnic clashes and kidnapping are also rife. In Jos, capital of Plateau State, mass burial of victims of ethnic conflict led to more blood letting on the spot. Now members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are rejecting postings to troubled spots with justification. On daily basis, there are cries of dependency and government appears to be helpless. Can the federal government restore security? What is responsible for all the sporadic bombings? Why has the North central and North East remained a troubled spot? These are puzzles that seem to have no answers. Just recently, governors were at a crossroads. Although, it is the north that is primarily under siege, southern governors could not turn their eyes away from the plight of their kinsmen who reside in these troubled spots. The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGE) proposed some measures. Taking a global look at the socio economic and political realities that may underlie insecurity, it suggested a sort of 'Marshal Plan' to tackle the trend. Some governors, lawmakers and opinion leaders also reiterated their clamour for state police. They highlighted the numerous assistance given to state police commands by governors, including donation of vehicles, uniforms, housing, guns, and even, bullets. He said it is illogical that the state governors, who are chief security officers, have no control over the police. Many reasons have been adduced for the state of insecurity ravaging the country. Some of them paled into conjunctures. But there is no evidence that government has got any lead as well. There is a monotony of assurances of normalcy from the Police Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammad Abubakar and Security Chiefs. To their consternation, the suicide bombers seem to have dwarfed security agents. This paper seeks to explore the limitations of state police as a panacea for insecurity challenges facing centralizing policing in Nigeria.