Youth O’clock Nigeria
By; Monday Danladi, Bauchi
It has been stressed that with their present numbers, the youths in Nigeria have the numbers in population and even in other trends that need a complete reflection to change the narrative of governance in the country.
That can be done by setting a paradigm shift to make the youths more responsible, influential and ready-made to serve their fatherland across all fields and walks of life.
The assertion was made during the maiden World Press Briefing of the Youth O’clock Nigeria by the National Convener,, Engr . Seth Francis on Wednesday, 26th February 2025.
He pointed out that, “Indeed, according to the United Nations data based on the Worldometers elaboration, Nigerian youth population accounts for 70 percent of the over 200 million Nigerian population.”
He added that, “Also, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated that about 53.40% of Nigerian youths are unemployed. This has also been corroborated by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in the 2nd quarter of 2024.”
He explained that the Youth O’clock Advancement Association commonly known as Youth O’clock Nigeria has come to stay as a transformative youths empowerment movement dedicated to mobilising and and inspiring young people to chart a new course for progress through empowerment, collaboration, transformation, respect, integrity, innovation and inclusiveness.
According to him, “We are pleased to inform you that your cooperation has been laudable and progressive since the coming on board of this prestigious organisation that is aimed at empowering and advancing the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian youths politically and economically.”
Seth Francis stated that The Youth O’clock Nigeria is committed to leadership and governance skills development for young Nigerians to take charge of their destiny by accepting leadership positions and contributing meaningfully to governance and development with enthusiasm, patriotism and responsibility.
He stated that, “Nigerians have understood the meaning of good governance and are ready to avail possible opportunities to people of conviction and integrity that are encouraged and enthusiastic to move forward in transforming the future of the young people and the nation in general.”
He stressed that,”This is profoundly without any fear of equivocation, a salient opportunity for youths to advance their destinies and take charge of their future.”
“We must not succumb to ill-informed future leaders’ aspirations. The time to take our rightful place begins from now. We should be seen driving positive change in the economy and polity,” he added.
He stressed that, “In addressing critical national development issues such as socio-economic stability and political participation that centre around a formidable future that builds a strong democracy and a resilient economy that empowers and transforms our youths to contribute gainfully and meaningfully to national development. ”
According to him,”It is significant and expedient to set the record straight that the Youth O’clock Nigeria is not a unilateral political movement. It is an all-inclusive revolutionary movement that creates opportunities for citizens across all divides to make the country work again.”
Seth Francis added that,”We belong to all parties and we belong to no party. We are for Nigerians. We have our national and sub-national structures across all the nooks and crannies of the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory geared towards achieving the goal and objectives of the organisation by leading a voice and catalyst for youth empowerment in Nigeria, fostering a generation of engaged, informed and responsible citizens dedicated to driving positive change in their communities and across the nation.”
“We will work to harness the energy, creativity and potential of Nigeria’s youth to drive positive change across the federation by building a future where Nigerian youths are not only seen but are central to shaping a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria,”he added .
He also explained that,”This mission of empowering and equipping young Nigerians with leadership knowledge to excel in their personal and professional pursuits through advocacy, mentorship and innovative programmes has just begun.”
“It is a new dawn for Nigerians with the coming on board of the Youth O’clock Nigeria as we will actively participate in governance, entrepreneurship and community development,” he added .
He stressed that, “At this point, our activities will be reflective of our national consciousness for inclusive development. We will support government, advise government and challenge government in all areas of intervention.”
According to him, “Our youths must find peace and progress in the Youth O’clock Nigeria. Stakeholders like government, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, students, politicians, the private sector individuals, the academia, the media, international organisations and security agencies should see the Youth O’clock Nigeria as a formidable partner of democracy and development in the Nigerian project.”
“It must be clearly stressed that we are not sponsored by any organisation locally or internationally. We are self-sponsored and convinced that the narrative of governance, leadership, empowerment and inclusion of young people in national development will be changed holistically for the better,”he added.
“At this juncture, the Youth O’clock Nigeria calls on the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, our State Governors, the National Assembly, other political institutions and the security agencies to see the movement as a vista of fresh perspectives to make Nigeria better and work for all of us without friction and malpractices,”he emphasized.
