Yelutide: Unemployed youth asks govt to provide massive jobs for citizens

By Peters Monday, Abuja

The Society For the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) has called on the Nigerian federal and state governments to provide massive jobs for the unemployed citizens of the country.

According to the group, the government cannot afford to ignore the cries of the youths, who bore the brunt of unemployment in Nigeria, citing that it was the government’s collective responsibility to ensure that the lights of hope and opportunity shine bright for the youths.

The group lamented that millions of unemployed graduates were roaming the streets, struggling to make ends meet. “These young people, who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow, are finding it difficult to fend for themselves and their families. The streets of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other major cities are filled with the sounds of frustration, desperation, and hopelessness”.

The statement which was issued by its national president Comr. Preye V. Tambou emphasised: “As the festive season dawns upon us, we cannot afford to ignore the cries of our youths, who bear the brunt of unemployment in Nigeria. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the lights of hope and opportunity shine bright for them.

“Today, Nigeria is faced with a daunting reality: millions of graduates are roaming the streets, either underemployed or unemployed, struggling to make ends meet. These young people, who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow, are finding it difficult to fend for themselves and their families. The streets of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other major cities are filled with the sounds of frustration, desperation, and hopelessness.

“The statistics are staggering. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria stands at over 33%, with youth unemployment at an alarming 42.5%. This means that nearly 1 in 2 young people in Nigeria are without a job, and many more are underemployed, working in menial jobs that do not utilize their skills and talents.

“The government must take immediate and decisive action to address the rising tide of youths unemployment in Nigeria. The current state of unemployment is alarming, and it is imperative that you revamp the economy and create opportunities for our young people.

“The government must prioritize keeping to its promises, transparency and public engagement in your policy-making process. Invest in social programmes and infrastructure that benefit the most vulnerable members of society. Establish a comprehensive rights-aligned social security system that provides income support for people throughout their lives.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Let us rise above unemployment, poverty, and despair that comes with bad governance and corruption. Let us shine our light, unleash our potential, and create a brighter future for ourselves and our nation.

“The government must take the following steps: invest in education and skills development, create jobs and stimulate entrepreneurship, provide support for small businesses and start-ups, implement policies that promote youth empowerment and development

“As we look to the year 2025, we expect the government to make significant reduction in the unemployment rate, with a clear plan to achieve this goal, increased investment in youth development programmes, including education, skills training, and entrepreneurship support, improved transparency and accountability in government spending, with a focus on programmes that benefit young people, the establishment of a comprehensive social security system that provides income support for vulnerable members of society, and concrete steps to address the root causes of unemployment, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and skills training.

“We will be watching, and we will hold you accountable. The future of our nation depends on it. We will not rest until every young person in Nigeria has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. We will not rest until youth unemployment is a thing of the past.

“Let us unite against youth unemployment, and let us build a brighter future for Nigeria”.