By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
A youth advocate, Halima Ahmed Mahdi, has urged governments, parents, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to empower and actively engage young people, warning that neglecting their potential could have serious consequences for society.
Mahdi made the call in a message commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, describing youths as a vital segment of the population with the energy, aspirations and capacity to drive national development.
She said many young people were striving to improve their lives through education and skills acquisition, while others were seeking opportunities to participate in governance, politics, business and community development.
According to her, despite their enormous potential, many youths are still excluded from meaningful opportunities and decision-making processes by governments, parents, communities, security agencies, and both public and private institutions.
“Youths are our future. They constitute a very large proportion of the population. They are full of strength, hope and aspirations, and are willing to move forward in life,” she said.
Mahdi said young people needed encouragement, empowerment and, above all, recognition as important stakeholders capable of making meaningful contributions to nation building.
She expressed concern that the neglect of youths had, in some cases, made them vulnerable to exploitation by politicians and other individuals who use them for negative purposes.
She warned that such exploitation could expose young people to drug abuse, violence and other social vices, which could eventually become a menace to communities.
The youth advocate therefore called for deliberate policies and programmes aimed at equipping young people with quality education, vocational and entrepreneurial skills, leadership opportunities and platforms for civic participation.
She also urged parents and community leaders to provide proper guidance and mentorship, while calling on security agencies and other institutions to engage youths positively and recognise their potential as partners in maintaining peace and developing society.
Mahdi further encouraged young people to shun drugs, violence and other harmful practices and instead focus on education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and community service.
She said youths should not merely be described as “leaders of tomorrow” but should be given opportunities to lead, contribute and participate in decision-making today.
“Use youths wisely and positively. They are the leaders of tomorrow. Give them the opportunity, support and recognition they deserve to contribute to nation building.
“Youths, wake up. Your future is in your hands, and your contribution is needed in building a better society,” she said.
Mahdi wished young people in Nigeria and across the world a happy International Youth Day, urging them to remain focused and committed to building a peaceful, productive and prosperous society.
