Oxfam, an International NGO has called on the Federal Government to build various support networks, financial regulatory framework to safeguard the livelihood of young people in the country.
Mr Constant Tchona, the Director of Oxfam in Nigeria made the call at a webinar on Tuesday in commemoration of the International Youth Day with the theme: “Youth Engagement for Global Action”.
The webinar organised by Oxfam in Nigeria in collaboration with youth NGOs was geared toward sustainable community development.
Tchona, who emphasised the need for priority interventions to safeguard the livelihood of young people, create resilience and social safety further called on the government to create financial literacy education and innovative systems for the youth.
He said that globally Aug. 12 was set aside annually to celebrate young people, their struggles, impact, collective prosperity and prospects.
“To celebrate this year’s event, Oxfam in Nigeria and the Nigeria Youth SDGs teamed up to celebrate young policy makers, social leaders and social entrepreneurs making a difference across Nigeria toward sustainable community development.
“With the global theme being “Youth Engagement for Global Action” and explore mediums to engage youth from the local level to the global level; there is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a serious challenge.
“lt has also presented an opportunity, notably for young people in Nigeria to develop innovative solutions; adopt creative mechanism and rebrand to meet the numerous needs which have helped placed their communities ahead of the curve, improving processes and providing lifesaving systems, “he said.
Mr Dino Correll, the Youth Employment Analyst at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) called for an “urgent large scale policy responses to protect the employment prospects of young.’’
Correll said that such responses would ensure that human and labour rights were protected amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Director of the United Nations Information (UNIC) Center Dr Ronald Kayanja said “Young people are a great asset if engaged and supported by creating the conditions that allow them progress and play active role.
According to him, this is when we will be able to achieve peace, security, climate resilience and sustainable development for all.
Similarly, Zainab Haruna, Programme Director, Step Up Nigeria at the panel discussion said that youth needed to have more collaboration and coalitions rather than trying to do it all alone.
