Worried by the rising spate of unemployment, member, representing Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urue Offong/Oruko federal constituency of Akwa Ibom State, Honorable Martins Esin, has maintained that the tasks of empowering and developing the youth population of Nigeria and giving them a sense of belonging is everyone’s business, particularly the government.
The lawmaker who raised this concern recently in Lagos at a two day Retreat put together by Yiaga Africa (Centre for Legislative Engagement), equally challenged the federal government and state governors alike to ensure that their financial and non- financial budgets are youth- driven and responsive as well their policies.
Funded by European Union under its EU support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Project (EU-SDGN), the retreat sought to find out what the House Committee on Youth Development is doing and how it could be improved to cover the interest of young people.
Esin who is the Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development, affirmed that he would not leave any stone unturned to ensure that the interest of youth of Nigeria numbering about 120 million, are qualitatively represented.
“When the future of our youths is secured, then we have secured the country. The youth needs ‘SOS’ which is Skill, Opportunity and Support. So it is the responsibility of the government including legislators to embark on mass skills empowerment programs for youths, provide the right environment for them to blossom and also offer necessary support until they’re economically independent.
He reminded his colleagues and the other two arms of government the danger of ignoring the youths, saying since the government cannot provide white collar jobs for over 120 million young people, the way forward is skill empowerment. This, he said can be possible when a significant amount of money is budgeted for youth development and a pragmatic steps for implementation of every plan, policies and programs put into action.
He implored young to show more interest in governance at all level, saying “We have no other country. Young people take ownership of this country. We know there is trust deficit, but then we need more youth on board. For now, the committee I Chair has the interest of youth at heart. However, Youth -responsive budget as a sign of seriousness on the side of government for youth development” he maintained.
Earlier in a remark, the Coordinator, Yiaga Africa, Centre for Legislative Engagement, Mr. Samuel Oguche reaffirmed Yiaga’s commitment in ensuring that government at all levels are kept on their toes to deliver their statutory responsibilities, in line with its mandate establishing it as Africa’s frontline non-profit organization set out to promote participatory democracy, human rights and civic participation.
“We believe with such engagements, and follow up, the government the governed would know what better what is expected of each and deliver accordingly” he stressed.
