The Member representing Umuahia North (Ohuhu) State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Kelechi Anderson Akaliro, has called for a fundamental shift in the way society perceives and engages young people, declaring that Nigerian youths should no longer be regarded merely as “leaders of tomorrow,” but as indispensable partners in the task of nation-building today.
Akaliro made the declaration in a message commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, stressing that the enormous energy, creativity, intellectual capacity and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youths constitute a formidable national asset that must be deliberately harnessed through quality education, skills acquisition, employment opportunities and meaningful participation in governance.
According to him, International Youth Day should transcend ceremonial celebrations and become a moment for governments, institutions, communities and individuals to reflect on the responsibilities required to create an environment where young people can thrive, innovate and contribute meaningfully to economic and social development.
The lawmaker maintained that Nigeria's youthful population presents both a significant opportunity and a responsibility, noting that a society that properly equips its young people is effectively investing in its own stability, productivity and long-term prosperity.
“Our youths are not simply leaders of tomorrow. They are partners in today's development, and they must be given the opportunity to contribute today. We cannot continue to speak about young people only in terms of what they will become in the future when they already possess the ideas, talents and capacity to solve problems and create value now,” Akaliro said.
He emphasised the pivotal place of education in unlocking the potential of young Nigerians, describing access to quality and relevant education as one of the most sustainable investments any government can make in its people.
Akaliro, who has consistently advocated educational advancement among his constituents, said young people require more than academic certificates to compete effectively in an increasingly technology-driven and knowledge-based global economy. He called for greater emphasis on vocational training, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, technical education and other practical skills that can translate knowledge into economic opportunities.
“Education must remain at the centre of our youth development strategy. But education must also be relevant to the realities of our time. We must equip our young people with knowledge, practical skills, digital competence and entrepreneurial capacity so that they can become creators of opportunities rather than merely seekers of jobs,” he stated.
The legislator further advocated increased youth participation in governance and public decision-making, arguing that policies designed for young people are more likely to succeed when young people themselves are actively involved in shaping them.
He noted that our young people understand many of the challenges confronting their generation from direct experience and should therefore be given platforms to articulate their ideas, offer solutions and participate constructively in policy conversations.
Akaliro said meaningful youth participation should not be reduced to political mobilisation during election periods, insisting that young people deserve sustained opportunities to contribute to community development, governance, innovation and civic engagement throughout the political cycle.
“We must listen to our young people and give them a seat at the table. Their voices should matter in the decisions that affect their lives and their future. Youth participation must be continuous and meaningful, not something we remember only when elections are approaching,” he said.
The lawmaker also stressed the importance of mentorship and character development, noting that empowering young people involves building not only their economic capacity but also their values, leadership abilities and sense of responsibility.
He urged parents, teachers, traditional institutions, religious organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to play active roles in guiding young people and helping them develop their talents in productive directions.
According to Akaliro, the responsibility of youth development cannot be left exclusively to government, as sustainable progress requires a collective effort involving families, educational institutions, the private sector, civil society and the youths themselves.
“Government has a responsibility to create opportunities and provide the right policies and infrastructure, but society also has a role to play. We must mentor our young people, encourage their ambitions and provide platforms where their abilities can flourish. Most importantly, our youths must also recognise that opportunity comes with responsibility,” Akaliro added.
He encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, enterprise, continuous learning and legitimate means of livelihood, urging them to take advantage of the rapidly expanding opportunities in technology, agriculture, creative industries, entrepreneurship and other emerging sectors.
Akaliro also cautioned against activities and influences capable of derailing the aspirations of young people, stressing that the energy and ingenuity of the youth population should be channelled towards productive ventures that strengthen families, communities and the Nigerian economy.
Reflecting on his constituency, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote educational access and youth development in Umuahia North, noting that investing in young constituents is an essential component of responsible representation.
He maintained that every young person who acquires an education, develops a marketable skill, secures productive employment or establishes a sustainable enterprise represents a valuable addition to the economic and social strength of the community.
“When we invest in one young person, we are investing in a family and strengthening the community. When we empower thousands of young people with education, skills and opportunities, we are laying the foundation for a stronger economy and a more prosperous society. That is why youth development must be treated as a priority, not an afterthought,” Akaliro declared.
As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate International Youth Day, Akaliro urged policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and implement practical, measurable and sustainable programmes capable of addressing the educational, employment, skills and economic challenges confronting young people.
He further called on Nigerian youths to remain hopeful, disciplined and committed to excellence, assuring them that their contributions are valuable to the present development trajectory of the country.
In conclusion, the lawmaker urged the youths in Abia and Nigeria at large to recognise their capacity to influence positive change and to embrace their responsibility as active stakeholders in the nation's development.
“The Nigeria we desire will not be built by government alone. It will be built by citizens, especially young Nigerians who have the energy, creativity and courage to innovate and lead. Our youths are not waiting for tomorrow to become relevant. They are already making a difference today, and our responsibility is to give them the support and opportunity to do even more.”
0 Comments