Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for urgent and sustained investment in Nigerian youth, describing them as the “true engine” of the nation’s progress and the “architects of its future.”
In a statement to mark International Youth Day, Obi praised the resilience, creativity, and excellence of young Nigerians in education, health, technology, sports, and other fields, both locally and internationally. He noted that despite making up about 70% of the country’s population, over 45% of youths face unemployment or underemployment.
Obi stressed that the nation cannot afford to continue neglecting its young population, urging greater focus on quality education, accessible healthcare, and support for entrepreneurship.
“A nation that invests in its youth secures its survival and guarantees its greatness,” he said, reiterating his commitment to creating an enabling environment where talent can thrive, dreams can be realised, and hard work is rewarded.
He called for the building of a safe, secure, and just society that prioritises youth development, adding that the country’s future depends on empowering its younger generation.
