Role of the Youths in National Development

Abstract

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...

The role of Nigerian youths in effective implementation of security and social development intervention

“…Development, according to Odoh & Eme (2014), is a comprehensive process that is underlined by values both in terms of its goals, process and sustenance. Indeed, at the centre of development is human agency with both individual and social dimensions.…”

“…Africa in general and Nigeria in particular are bedevilled with various security and social developmental challenges. As observed by Odoh & Eme (2014), one of the greatest challenges facing governments and policymakers in Africa today is how to provide opportunities for the continent's more than 200 million youths so that they can have decent lives and contribute to the economic development of their countries. Yet, like other developing countries of Africa, Nigeria is bedevilled with various social problems.…”

“…Under such a democratic dispensation, citizens make their choices on the basis of primordial factors such as religion, ethnicity, race and personality, rather than alternative developmental programmes. The youths have a role to play in this process as social strata with its own organisaions and other resources (Odoh & Eme, 2014).…”

“…Their areas of interventions cover projects involving trade, commerce, Home Economics, small and medium term enterprises and agriculture, anti-corruption, counter-terrorism, community policing and drug-free clubs among others. These youths' self-help projects are classified into two by Odoh & Eme (2014): government aided projects (GAP) and non-government aided projects (NGAP). Government aid projects are those executed with the assistance of the government in either finance or material resources while non-government aid projects are those executed solely with collective effort of community members.…”

“…From the foregoing, it is easy to understand that successful developmental projects in the area of security or overall social system depend on the state's commitment to empowering the citizens, youths in particular to achieving this goal. Odoh & Eme (2014) acknowledged this when they concluded that states that have succeeded in achieving the security and social developments around the world are have clearly set development objectives and establish the institutional structures to achieve those objectives. Such states are able to form alliances with key social groups in society that helps it to achieve its developmental goals.…”