Unemployed youth unveils vision 2028 after end of NEC meeting, highlights unemployment, poverty behind unrest in Nigeria

By Sunday Onye, Senior correspondent

The Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) has unveiled its vision 2028 after the end of the year National Executive Meeting held on the 28th December, 2024 in Lagos.

The group in a blueprint presented by its national president Comr. Preye Tambou said the organization was committed to improving the lives of unemployed youths in Nigeria, stating that he was excited to present to the public the initiatives and projects of the group in the coming years.

In the group’s white paper, Tambou maintained that youth unemployment was a major challenge facing Nigeria, with millions of youths either underemployed or struggling to find employment, stressing that it had led to increased poverty, inequality, and social unrest.

The group noted that empowering unemployed youths was critical to addressing these challenges and building a brighter future for our country.

Read the full blueprint.

*Ladies and Gentlemen,*

I am honoured to address you today as the National President of the Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN). Our organization is committed to improving the lives of unemployed youths in Nigeria, and I am excited to present to you our initiatives and projects in the coming years.

*Background:*

Youth unemployment is a major challenge facing Nigeria, with millions of youths either underemployed or struggling to find employment. This has led to increased poverty, inequality, and social unrest. As an organization, we believe that empowering unemployed youths is critical to addressing these challenges and building a brighter future for our country.

*SWUYN Mission:* Empower unemployed youths and promote societal welfare through education, entrepreneurship, and unity.

*SWUYN Key Objectives:*

– Eradicate extreme poverty through free entrepreneurial skills training
– Provide education and vocational skills training
– Empower youths through skill acquisition and entrepreneurial training
– Foster unity and support among members
– Promote peace, justice, and equity
– Partner with government agencies and organizations to achieve common goals
– Cater for the general welfare of members and society, especially the less privileged
– Empower children, youths, and women in the society

*Overall Goal:* Improve the lives of unemployed youths and contribute to a better society.

Over the next three years, we will implement a range of projects and initiatives across six regions in Nigeria. These projects are designed to address the specific needs of unemployed youths in each region and will focus on the following areas:

– Education and skills development
– Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment
– Health and wellbeing
– Leadership and governance
– Community development and social services

As we embark on our 3-year term (2025-2027), on behalf of the National Executive Council of the SWUYN, we present the NEC breakdown of Initiatives and Projects, with one event per year for each region, over a 3-year term frame:

*2025*

1. *North-Central Region*: Youth Empowerment through Agriculture (YETA) – January 2025 – June 2025
2. *North-East Region*: Rebuilding and Rehabilitation Initiative (RRI) – January 2025 – March 2025
3. *North-West Region*: Healthcare Support Initiative (HSI) – January 2025 – June 2025
4. *South-East Region*: Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation (YEI) – January 2025 – June 2025
5. *South-South Region*: Environmental Sustainability Initiative (ESI) – January 2025 – March 2025
6. *South-West Region*: Youth Leadership and Governance (YLG) – January 2025 – June 2025

*2026*

1. *North-Central Region*: Skill Acquisition and Vocational Training (SAVT) – January 2026 – June 2026
2. *North-East Region*: Youth Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (YPCR) – January 2026 – June 2026
3. *North-West Region*: Youth Leadership and Mentorship (YLM) – January 2026 – June 2026
4. *South-East Region*: Education and Career Development (ECD) – January 2026 – June 2026
5. *South-South Region*: Youth Empowerment through Technology (YET) – January 2026 – June 2026
6. *South-West Region*: Education and Skills Development (ESD) – January 2026 – June 2026

*2027*

1. *North-Central Region*: Education Support Initiative (ESI) – January 2027 – June 2027
2. *North-East Region*: Economic Empowerment through Entrepreneurship (EEE) – January 2027 – June 2027
3. *North-West Region*: Health and Wellbeing Initiative (HWI) – January 2027 – June 2027
4. *South-East Region*: Community Development and Social Services (CDSS) – January 2027 – June 2027
5. *South-South Region*: Economic Empowerment through Cooperatives (EEC) – January 2027 – June 2027
6. *South-West Region*: Youth Empowerment and Innovation (YEI) – January 2027 – June 2027

*Budget Allocation*:

– Each region will need a budget allocation of ₦10 million per year for the implementation of their initiatives and projects.
– Additional funding will be provided for specific projects and initiatives based on need and impact.

*Monitoring and Evaluation*:

– Regular monitoring and evaluation of initiatives and projects will be conducted by the National Representative and Regional teams.
– Quarterly progress reports will be submitted to the national office.
– Annual evaluation reports will be submitted to the national office and stakeholders.

*Sources of Funding:*

To execute these projects, we shall explore the following funding sources:

1. *Grants*: Apply for grants from local and international organizations, foundations, and government agencies that support youth development, education, and entrepreneurship.
2. *Corporate Sponsorships*: Reach out to private sector companies to secure sponsorships, partnerships, or donations to support specific projects or programmes.
3. *Crowdfunding*: Utilize online crowdfunding platforms to raise funds from a large number of people, typically in exchange for rewards or equity.
4. *Membership Fees*: Introduce membership fees for individuals and organizations that want to support SWUYN’s mission and activities.
5. *Fundraising Events*: Organize fundraising events, such as charity runs, auctions, or galas, to raise funds and awareness for SWUYN’s projects.
6. *Government Funding*: Explore government funding opportunities, such as budget allocations or special funds, to support SWUYN’s projects and programmes.

*Modalities for Execution:*

To ensure successful execution of these projects, we can:

1. *Establish Partnerships*: We shall collaborate with other organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies to leverage their expertise, resources, and networks.
2. *Develop Project Plans*: We shall create detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, to ensure effective execution and monitoring.
3. *Recruit Volunteers*: We shall engage volunteers, including SWUYN members, to support project implementation and provide additional capacity.
4. *Procure Services*: We shall hire consultants, vendors, or service providers to support specific aspects of project implementation, such as training, marketing, or logistics.
5. *Monitor and Evaluate*: We shall establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project progress, identify challenges, and make adjustments as needed.

*Security Measures:*

To ensure the safety of participants, we shall:

1. *Conduct Risk Assessments*: Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, such as security protocols, emergency response plans, and insurance coverage.
2. *Establish Safety Protocols*: Develop and communicate clear safety protocols, such as code of conduct, harassment policies, and emergency contact information.
3. *Provide Training*: Offer training and orientation sessions for participants, staff, and volunteers on safety procedures, emergency response, and conflict resolution.
4. *Secure Venues*: Ensure that project venues are secure, accessible, and compliant with safety standards, such as fire safety, first aid, and sanitation.
5. *Screening and Verification*: Implement screening and verification processes for participants, staff, and volunteers to ensure their suitability and integrity.

By addressing these concerns, we can ensure that our projects are well-funded, effectively executed, and safe for all participants.

To diversify the reach and impact of the Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN), we can consider the following mediums:

1. *Social Media*: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, tiktok, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp to share updates, news, and resources with members and the general public.
2. *Website*: Develop a website that serves as a central hub for information, resources, and updates on SWUYN’s activities, programmes, and services.
3. *Email Newsletter*: Create a monthly or quarterly newsletter that summarizes key updates, news, and resources, and send it to subscribers via email.
4. *Print Media*: Partner with newspapers, magazines, and journals to publish articles, press releases, and advertisements that promote SWUYN’s mission and activities.
5. *Radio and TV*: Utilize radio and television stations to reach a wider audience through interviews, talk shows, and public service announcements.
6. *Community Outreach*: Organize community events, town hall meetings, and workshops to engage with members and the general public, and provide information and resources on SWUYN’s programmes and services.
7. *Partnerships and Collaborations*: Collaborate with other organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies to amplify SWUYN’s message and impact.
8. *Mobile App*: Develop a mobile app that provides easy access to SWUYN’s resources, services, and updates, and allows members to connect with each other and with the organization.
9. *Podcasting*: Create a podcast that features interviews with experts, members, and stakeholders, and discusses topics relevant to SWUYN’s mission and activities.
10. *Influencer Marketing*: Partner with social media influencers and thought leaders to promote SWUYN’s mission and activities to their followers.

By diversifying our outreach and communication efforts across these mediums, we can increase the visibility and impact of SWUYN, and reach a wider audience of members, stakeholders, and the general public.

Additionally, we can also consider the following strategies to diversify our reach:

1. *Language*: Translate our content and materials into multiple languages to reach a broader audience.
2. *Geographic Location*: Utilize SWUYN’S chapters or branches in different regions and states to increase our presence and impact.
3. *Demographics*: Tailor our content and programmes to specific demographics, such as women, youth, or people with disabilities.
4. *Thematic Areas*: Focus on specific thematic areas, such as education, entrepreneurship, or health, to attract a specific audience and expertise.

By implementing these strategies, we can diversify our reach and impact, and become a more inclusive and effective organization.

*SWUYN Innovative Solutions to Address Unemployment Among Youths.

*Education and Skills Development*

1. *Online Vocational Training Platforms*: Create online platforms that offer vocational training and certification programmes in high-demand skills such as coding, digital marketing, and data analysis.
2. *Apprenticeship Programmes*: Develop apprenticeship programs that pair young people with experienced professionals in their desired field, providing hands-on training and mentorship.
3. *Skill-Specific Bootcamps*: Organize bootcamps that focus on specific skills such as entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, providing young people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the job market.

*Entrepreneurship and Job Creation*

1. *Startup Incubators and Accelerators*: Establish startup incubators and accelerators that provide young entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and funding to launch and grow their businesses.
2. *Youth-Led Business Initiatives*: Support youth-led business initiatives that create jobs and stimulate economic growth in local communities.
3. *Social Entrepreneurship Programmes*: Develop social entrepreneurship programmes that encourage young people to develop innovative solutions to social problems, creating jobs and positive impact in the process.

*Job Placement and Career Development*

1. *AI-Powered Job Matching Platforms*: Create AI-powered job matching platforms that connect young people with job opportunities that match their skills, interests, and career goals.
2. *Career Coaching and Mentorship*: Provide career coaching and mentorship programmes that help young people develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the job market.
3. *Industry-Partnership Programmes*: Develop industry-partnership programmes that provide young people with work experience, training, and job placement opportunities in high-growth industries.

*Rural and Underserved Communities*

1. *Rural Entrepreneurship Programmes*: Develop rural entrepreneurship programmes that provide young people in rural areas with the skills, resources, and support needed to launch and grow their own businesses.
2. *Digital Skills Training*: Provide digital skills training programmes that help young people in underserved communities develop the skills needed to access better job opportunities and improve their socio-economic status.
3. *Community-Based Job Creation Initiatives*: Support community-based job creation initiatives that create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural and underserved communities.

*Technology and Innovation*

1. *Virtual and Augmented Reality Training*: Develop virtual and augmented reality training programmes that provide young people with immersive and interactive training experiences in high-demand skills such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
2. *Blockchain-Based Credentialing*: Develop blockchain-based credentialing systems that provide young people with secure and verifiable digital credentials, making it easier for them to access job opportunities and education programmes.
3. *Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Training*: Provide artificial intelligence and machine learning training programmes that help young people develop the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly automated job market.

These are just a few innovative solutions to address unemployment among youths. The key is to provide young people with the skills, resources, and support needed to succeed in the job market, while also creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth in local communities.

*Conclusion:*

In conclusion, our 3-year strategic plan is designed to empower unemployed youths in Nigeria and address the challenges they face. We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for our country and ensure that every youth has access to opportunities for economic empowerment, social mobility, and personal growth.

However, we cannot achieve this vision alone. We need the support and collaboration of eminent personalities, leaders, and critical stakeholders from the private and public sectors. We call on companies, NGOs, embassies, ministries, federal and state governments to partner with us in this noble endeavor.

We invite donations and sponsorships from individuals and organizations who share our vision and are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of unemployed youths in Nigeria. Your support will enable us to scale up our projects, increase our reach, and deepen our impact.

We believe that together, we can make a difference and create a better future for our youths. We are open to collaborations, partnerships, and strategic alliances that will enable us to achieve our objectives.

We specifically call on:

– Private sector companies to provide funding, resources, and expertise to support our projects
– NGOs and civil society organizations to partner with us in implementing our projects and advocating for the rights of unemployed youths
– Embassies and international organizations to provide technical assistance, funding, and resources to support our projects
– Ministries and federal and state governments to provide policy support, funding, and resources to support our projects
– Eminent personalities and leaders to serve as ambassadors and advocates for our cause

Together, we can empower unemployed youths in Nigeria and create a brighter future for our country. We look forward to partnering with you to achieve this vision.

Thank you.

Signed

Comr. Preye V. Tambou
National President, SWUYN