Empower Youth To Drive Sustainable Development, Don Urges Stakeholders
A university lecturer, Dr. Kabir Alhaji-Jabo of Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS), has called on stakeholders to empower young people and nurture their potential.
He emphasised the importance of equipping the youth with the necessary tools and opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to society.
According to Alhaji-Jabo, such empowerment is crucial in enabling young people to take the lead in driving sustainable development initiatives across the country.
He believed that when the potential of the youth was harnessed, it could significantly impact national growth and long-term progress.
He believed that when the potential of the youth was harnessed, it could significantly impact national growth and long-term progress.
He said by investing in education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, young people could become key drivers of innovation, social change, and sustainable development across various sectors of the economy.
Alhaji-Jabo made the appeal during a lecture organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day celebration, on Saturday in Sokoto.
The event was organised by the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to the lecturer, society’s development depends significantly on youth participation and active involvement in developmental activities.
“They are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers, driving progress and inspiring us to build a brighter future together,” Alhaji-Jabo said.
He highlighted the critical role young people play in economic activities, social causes, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of equality and justice.
Alhaji-Jabo also stressed the importance of government, individuals, and groups aligning their efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure meaningful outcomes.
Also speaking at the event, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, emphasised the importance of population control and proper demographic planning.
He noted that proper planning enhanced access to healthcare, education, and other services, and advocated for wider access to family planning services.
Umar-Jabbi cautioned young people against concealing their health status, particularly regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
“Many people have unknowingly infected their loved ones while pretending to be morally upright. If abstinence is not possible, couples and individuals should protect themselves by using condoms,” he advised.
He also urged that youth empowerment initiatives be extended to grassroots communities, ensuring inclusiveness and widespread developmental impact.
UNFPA State Programme Officer, Ms. Gloria Enuaze, commended the active participation of young people in development-oriented engagements.
“Proactive steps toward achieving the vision are more impactful than just making noise. UNFPA will continue to support young people to realise their potential,” Enuaze said.
She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to amplify youth voices through innovation and empowerment programmes.
On his part, the Sokoto State Chairman of the NYCN, Mr. Isa Abdullahi-Yabo, expressed appreciation for the stakeholders’ support and reiterated that Nigerian youths were ready to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He described the 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond”, as timely and relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing the country.
(NAN)
