Former Ogun State deputy governor, Senator Shefiu Kaka, recently offered valuable advice to Nigerian youths during the Sanyaolu Memorial Annual Lecture held in Abeokuta. The event revolved around the theme, “Combating the Twin Menaces of Youth Unemployment and Insecurity in Nigeria: The Roles of the Professional Elites,” a subject of utmost relevance to the current challenges faced by the nation.
Senator Kaka emphasized the importance of Nigerian youths distancing themselves from cultism and instead embracing the moral values associated with their chosen careers. In a society where peer influences can often lead young people astray, his words serve as a timely reminder of the need for personal responsibility and ethical conduct.
Dr. Matthew Ibitoye, the President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, also weighed in on the issue. He highlighted various factors contributing to youth unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria, including poor governance, an overemphasis on Western education without a focus on acquiring practical business skills, and the failure of the government and stakeholders to establish companies that could generate job opportunities.
The guest lecturer, Prof. Taiwo Edun from Olabisi Onabanjo University, delved into the complexity of managing youth unemployment in Nigeria, especially considering the significant number of graduates being churned out by tertiary institutions. This underscores the urgency of finding innovative solutions to tackle this multifaceted issue, which has far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability and development.
In conclusion, the advice and insights shared during the Sanyaolu Memorial Annual Lecture serve as a call to action for all stakeholders in Nigeria. Addressing youth unemployment and insecurity requires a concerted effort from professional elites, policymakers, educational institutions, and society as a whole to create a brighter future for the nation’s youth and the entire country.
