By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
A youth advocate, Halima Ahmed Mahdi, has called on governments, parents, communities, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to invest more in young people and create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mahdi made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, describing youths as a critical segment of society endowed with the energy, aspirations and capacity to drive development.
She said many young people were working hard to improve their lives through education and skills acquisition, while others were seeking opportunities to participate in governance, politics, business and community development.
According to her, despite their enormous potential, many youths remained excluded from meaningful opportunities and decision-making processes by governments, communities, institutions and other stakeholders.
“Youths are our future. They constitute a very large proportion of the population. They are full of strength, hope and aspirations and are willing to move forward in life,” she said.
Mahdi stressed the need for young people to be encouraged, empowered and recognised as important stakeholders whose contributions could accelerate national development.
She expressed concern that the failure to provide youths with meaningful opportunities had, in some cases, left them vulnerable to exploitation by politicians and other individuals who could manipulate them for negative purposes.
She warned that such exploitation could expose young people to drug abuse, violence and other social vices, eventually creating serious security and social challenges for communities.
The youth advocate therefore called for deliberate policies and programmes to provide young people with quality education, vocational and entrepreneurial skills, leadership opportunities and platforms for meaningful civic participation.
She also urged parents and community leaders to provide proper guidance and mentorship, while calling on security agencies and other institutions to engage youths positively and recognise them as partners in peacebuilding and community development.
Mahdi further encouraged young people to shun drugs, violence and other harmful practices, urging them instead to focus on education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, leadership and community service.
She said youths should no longer be regarded merely as “leaders of tomorrow”, but should be given opportunities to lead, contribute and participate in decision-making processes today.
“Use youths wisely and positively. They are the leaders of tomorrow. Give them the opportunity, support and recognition they deserve to contribute to nation building.
“Youths, wake up. Your future is in your hands, and your contribution is needed in building a better society,” she said.
Mahdi congratulated young people in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of International Youth Day, urging them to remain focused, responsible and committed to building a peaceful, productive and prosperous society.
