Governments at all levels have been urged to invest in sustainable opportunities for Nigerian youths to enhance their participation in governance and economic growth.
The Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Enugu State Chapter, Mr Ani Samuel Chekwube, made the appeal in his 2026 World Youth Day message issued to mark International Youth Day on August 12.
The theme for the 2026 United Nations International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” highlights the shared aspirations of young people globally for dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, and a sustainable future.
Chekwube stated that the occasion provided a platform to celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience, and potential of young people, while drawing attention to systemic challenges confronting Nigerian youths, including unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and limited opportunities.
He urged governments across all tiers to prioritize job creation, quality education, vocational and technical training, entrepreneurship support, affordable healthcare, and active youth participation in governance.
The youth leader advocated for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, improved security frameworks, strategic investments in sports and creative industries, expanded access to digital skills, reliable electricity, and robust anti-corruption measures to promote good governance.
Addressing the youth directly, Chekwube urged them to take personal responsibility for their future by upholding integrity, pursuing innovation, rejecting violent extremism, substance abuse, and crime, while fostering peaceful coexistence across ethnic and religious lines.
He emphasized that young people must deploy their talents in service to God, their communities, and the nation, adding that the 2026 theme is particularly relevant to Nigeria because, despite diverse backgrounds, young citizens share common aspirations for dignity, peace, and economic prosperity.
He maintained that diversity should not divide the country but rather enrich the collective pursuit of a better future.
The YOWICAN leader also charged religious institutions, particularly the Church, to support young people in nurturing their faith and upholding ethical values.
He referenced the biblical theme of the 41st World Youth Day scheduled for Seoul, South Korea, in 2027—“Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) as confirmed by the Vatican, describing it as a charge for young citizens to confront socio-economic challenges with faith and determination.
Highlighting United Nations projections, Chekwube observed that the 2026 celebration draws attention to youth facing overlapping vulnerabilities linked to poverty, climate change, geographic isolation, and unequal access to digital infrastructure.
He prayed for God’s guidance, strength and success for Nigerian youths as they contribute to building a better country for present and future generations.
