The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the adoption of a comprehensive, rights-focused framework for youth empowerment across Nigeria.
In his message commemorating the 2025 International Youth Day (IYD), the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), called on all tiers of government to address pressing youth challenges, including unemployment, inadequate access to quality healthcare and education, and limited leadership opportunities.
Ojukwu stressed the need to bolster protective measures for young people, enhance their access to economic prospects, and ensure their active involvement in governance at all levels. He appealed to government bodies and relevant stakeholders to create avenues for Nigerian youths to fulfil their aspirations, thereby enabling them to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and national development.
“Young Nigerians are not just passive recipients of development; they are critical thinkers, innovators, mobilisers, and partners in shaping a future founded on equity, dignity, and respect for human rights,” he stated.
According to Ojukwu, the NHRC is committed to amplifying youth voices, guaranteeing their participation in decision-making processes, and safeguarding their rights in alignment with both national and international human rights obligations.
He acknowledged the resilience and potential of Nigeria’s youth but noted that many still face significant hurdles, such as unemployment, underemployment, poor access to quality education, and inadequate mentorship for leadership.
Ojukwu further highlighted that the economic uncertainty in the country — driven by rising living costs — has become the most urgent concern for many young people, alongside unemployment, poverty, and insecurity. These challenges, he said, negatively impact their well-being and limit opportunities for political and economic participation, often leaving them feeling excluded from governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12, serves as a platform for governments and organisations worldwide to spotlight youth-related issues.
This year’s theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” reinforces the idea that young people are not merely leaders in the making, but are already a driving force for change in today’s world.