ROLE OF THE YOUTHS IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

It is axiomatic to posit that there is a linkage between youth and national development. This intercourse is not only symbiotically connected; but, one depends on the other for its sustenance. Therefore, the role of youth on national development can not be over emphasised. The wheel of development of any country lies on the shoulder of how productive and creative the youthful populations are. The youth in any society are the engine of growth and development; because, they provide the labour force for production of goods and service to take effect. And also, are the critical masses of people, whose action and inaction can develop or destroy the hegemonies/fabrics of their society. For example according to the 2006 census, the youthful population constituted over 70% of the population. So, therefore, this quantum of population is a great asset for the Nigerian state if they are harnessed and utilized in the right direction. Interestingly, the transition of society from one generation to another is critical to the formative and developmental aspiration of such society. That, is why society that prepare their youth for the sake of future aspiration will not only secure her future development; but, will prepare her next set of leaders with the challenges of national reconciliation and development. So, therefore, the role of youth on national development is sacrosanct to the whole developmental aspiration of any society. The youth are the cornerstone to societal rejuvenation. Societies are not only recreated through the youthful population, but, youth are often referring to as leaders of tomorrow. "The youths bulge represents both a challenge and an opportunity for development. For example, in Uganda it is estimated that the country needs to create over 600,000 new jobs per year for the next 12 years equivalent to the total size of the formal employment sector at present. If this is not achieved, it will be impossible to reach the Millennium Development Goals targets, particularly on extreme poverty and hunger (MDG 1), child mortality (MDG 4), and environmental sustainability (MDG 7) (World Bank, 2010). Many of the youths who are productive and energetic remain unemployed, continue to suffer from poor health, and lack sufficient support. Some of them have special needs that require attention. These include those living on the streets, those living with HIV/AIDS, the girls and those with disabilities. It is perplexing to say, that, no nation will experience development when the preponderance of the population that constitutes the largest percentage of the population are idle and ineffective. So, therefore, the youths have a greater role to play on national development. It has been suggested that Nigeria could by 2030 reap the benefits of what some called a "demographic dividend" if it invest now in human development. Nigeria current demographic structures could be future assets when a demographic window of opportunity opens as fertility and high youth dependency declines. The responsibility of ensuring that the aspirations and hopes of the youths are met lies with a multiplicity of stakeholders. Everyone in the community, both young and old, must play their role. So, their mindset and roles is of major important to the development of any society. In fact, The Nigeria youths, not oil is the future of Nigeria in the 21st century the paper concludes.