ROLE OF YOUTHS IN NATION BUILDING: NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE
Odonye Dauda Yusuf and Kadarko Esther Dizaho
Volume 1 Issue 1
Abstract
This paper examines the role of youths in nation building with focus on Nigerian perspective within the periods of 2010 to 2020. Specifically, the paper looks at the importance of involving youths in national building and challenges facing youths in Nigeria and proposed some policy frameworks for resolving the boney issues. The paper theoretically adopts an analytical and qualitative research method, relying upon secondary sources of information including researches, textbooks, journals and CBN Bullions and provides essential frameworks within which better practice of nation building can be evolved for appreciable corporate results in the Nigerian national development environment. The paper started by examining the various ways the concept of youth and nation building has been viewed from different dimensions and basic principles as a major instrument of ensuring sustainable growth and development globally and specifically, Nigeria. The finding shows that the extent of the youths’ responsible conduct and roles in Nigerian society is positively correlated with the development of the country. This is because the youths are the engine of growth and development; they provide the labour force for production of goods and services to take effect. They are problem solvers, have a positive influence on other young people and the nation, and are extremely ambitious. They have the ability to create an identity for themselves and move the nation forward. They are the critical masses of people, whose action and inaction can develop or destroy the hegemonies/fabrics of their society. The paper recommended amongst others that Nigerian youths should be given the opportunity to develop their capacities through balanced education and exposure. They should be engaged in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship that will help reduce idleness and keep them from being involved in crime and other activities that are counterproductive in nation building. The paper concludes that it will be a great wastage of human resources if these youths are not given an opportunity to exercise their talent. This beautiful land (Nigeria) needs these youths in order for our soil to become a brighter one. So help us God. Amen! Keywords: Building, Development, Nation Building, Peace, Peace Development and Youth
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