By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Association of NGOs and CSOs in Nigeria has called on governments, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and make sustained investments in the country’s youth.
The Association made the call on Wednesday in Abuja as the world commemorated International Youth Day 2026, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Amb. Aina Oladipo Michael, the Association said the theme reflected the realities of Nigerian youths who, despite living in different social and economic circumstances, share common aspirations for quality education, decent employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, inclusion, dignity, security and meaningful participation in governance.
It warned that Nigeria could not achieve sustainable development while a significant proportion of its youthful population remained excluded from economic opportunities, decision-making processes and access to essential resources.
The Association noted that young Nigerians were already demonstrating remarkable capacity in technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, creative industries, community development, climate action and advocacy.
It, however, stressed that the country must move beyond celebrating the potential of young people to making concrete investments that would enable them to translate their ideas into sustainable enterprises and community solutions.
The organisation called for greater investment in youth skills and entrepreneurship, including the establishment of incubation hubs, practical skills training centres, digital training hubs across the 774 local government areas and access to certified business development service providers for mentorship.
It also urged stakeholders to establish affordable and accessible funding mechanisms capable of helping youth-led start-ups scale their businesses and transform innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.
On governance, the Association demanded increased youth participation in decision-making, insisting that young people should not only be remembered during elections but should also have meaningful representation in policy formulation, implementation and evaluation at all levels.
“Young people should not only be remembered during election; they must also be elected,” the group said, stressing that invitations to government events should translate into genuine representation and participation.
The Association further called for expanded access to decent employment, urging the government and private sector to create an enabling environment for job creation, innovation and the growth of youth-led businesses.
It also demanded inclusive opportunities for vulnerable and underserved young people, including those in rural communities, persons with disabilities, young women and youths facing economic and social exclusion.
The Association urged young Nigerians to embrace their responsibilities as active citizens and nation builders by acquiring relevant skills, embracing innovation, participating constructively in civic affairs, building responsible networks and using their talents to develop solutions within their communities.
It said International Youth Day should not be treated merely as an annual celebration but as a period of accountability for stakeholders to assess what they were doing to create an enabling environment for young people to realise their aspirations.
“Our different backgrounds must never become barriers to our common aspirations. Different contexts. Common aspirations. This will lead to one generation, one responsibility, one future,” the Association stated.
The Association of NGOs and CSOs in Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations and young people to promote inclusive youth development, entrepreneurship, capacity building, civic participation and sustainable development across Nigeria.
It declared that investment in young Nigerians was ultimately an investment in the future of the country.“When Nigeria invests in her young people, Nigeria invests in her future,” the Association said.
