NHRC seeks comprehensive rights-approach to youth empowerment

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a comprehensive rights-based approach to youth empowerment.

In a message to mark the 2025 International Youth Day(IYD), Dr Tony Ojukwu ,SAN, the Executive Secretary of the commission, said that these governments at all levels must tackle unemployment, facilitate access to quality health and education and prepare youth for leadership.

He also emphasised the imperatives of strengthening protection efforts for the younger population, boost their access to economic opportunities as well as ensuring that they participate actively at all levels of governance.

He urged the government and other stakeholders to support the young population towards realizing their aspiration in order for them to contribute their quota to peace building and national development.

According to him, young Nigerians are not just beneficiaries of development but deep thinkers, active innovators, mobilisers, and partners in shaping a future anchored on equity, dignity, and respect for human rights.

“In advancing the commission’s mandate and inclusivity, we are committed to empowering youth voices, ensuring their full participation in decision making processes, and protecting their rights in line with national and international human rights obligations,” he said.

Ojukwu noted that inspite of the huge potential, energy and resilience of Nigerian youths, their path remains fraught with significant challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, poor access to quality education and the right leadership mentorship.

”The prevalent economic uncertainty faced by the Nigerians youths are mostly affected by the rising cost of living.

”This has emerged as the most pressing concern, followed closely by unemployment, poverty and insecurity.

” These factors, take a heavy toll on their well-being, with many expressing frustration at limited opportunities for meaningful political and economic participation and a sense of exclusion from governance processes ” he said.

Our correspondent reports that the day is observed annually on Aug. 12.

It is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide.

This year’s IYD theme, is “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” is echoing that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but are the driving force of today.