This was said by NLC President Joe Ajaello in a statement marking the 2023 International Youth Congress in Abuja on Friday 10 August 2023. Celebrated on August 12th every year, the theme of the day is “Generational Solidarity: Building the World for All Ages”. “The rising unemployment rate in Nigeria is alarming as recent KPMG estimates have sounded the alarm that the unemployment rate is above the 40% threshold,” he said.
He said the cost of living, including recent spikes in petrol prices and accompanying tuition hikes, are having a negative impact on young people. “This prevents access to quality education, especially for young people from poor backgrounds.
“Therefore, out of solidarity with Nigerian youth, we urge the government to prioritize youth employment by providing systematic support for local production.
“The informal economy and other economic value-adding activities, including the massive strengthening of technical and vocational education at all levels of government.”
“There is also active cooperation between the private sector and development partners.”
He called on the federal government to continue to explore all possibilities for further developing the creative talents and productive skills of young people in order to accelerate the country’s development. Ajaello said the NLC is committed to addressing the challenges of youth as they are essential to the future of trade unions and nation-building. The NLC president, therefore, said the theme for the 2023 event is appropriate and consistent with Congress’ principles and aspirations for equality, shared prosperity, and inclusiveness.
“The International Youth Congress provides our country with an opportunity to think critically about issues of youth development and well-being,” he said.
NAN reports that in December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year starting on 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth, urging governments, civil society, individuals, and communities around the world to adopt resolution 64/134 calling for action on A level that supports the international level, a level that honors events.
The NAN also reports that the idea for the 1991 International Youth Congress was proposed by young people gathered in Vienna, Austria for the first meeting of the United Nations system’s World Youth Forum. The Forum recommended declaring an International Youth Day to partner with youth organizations and support the United Nations Youth Fund, especially for fundraising and publicity purposes.
