A Pan African organisation on deepening democracy, Global Initiative for Africa Development, has called on governments at all levels to take proactive measures to address youth unemployment and human trafficking in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the initiative, Dr Onwubuya Breakforth, made the call at the 4th Anniversary and Awards ceremony of Gospel Music Ally (GMALLY) in Abuja on Friday.
Breakforth, a former presidential candidate and a public analyst also stressed the need for a robust support system to nurture and empower Nigerian youth.
According to him, addressing unemployment is key to curbing human trafficking in the country.
“Nigeria is endowed with immense talent, especially among our children.
“This platform is designed to galvanize these gifted individuals by providing them with the support needed to reach international stages and fulfil their God’s-given potential.
“Unemployment leads to desperation, which fuels human trafficking. Young Nigerians are often lured abroad with promises of better opportunities, only to face exploitation.
“By creating more job opportunities and supporting local talents, we can reduce the risks they face.”
He urged the governments to collaborate closely with organisations like GMALLY and the private sector to promote the music industry and create sustainable employment opportunities for youths.
He said: “We need substantial investments to boost the music industry. Supporting ventures that harness local talent can help mitigate unemployment and discourage youths from seeking opportunities abroad under risky conditions.
“We call on the government and non-governmental organisations to be more proactive. The current administration is making efforts, but much more is needed.
“By working together, we can support our youth, reduce unemployment, and combat human trafficking,” he said.
On her part, Pst. Ruby Chinenye the Chief Executive Officer and Convener of GMALLY, emphasised the need for proper direction and guidance for the Nigerian youths.
While highlighting the critical role of nurturing young talents to combat social vices, Chinenye said that the event marked the culmination of a month-long talent hunt across Delta, Lagos, Oyo, and the FCT.
She said that the 15 finalists were competing for the top prize of one million Naira, while the first and second runners-up would go home with N500,000 and N250,000 respectively.
She expressed concern over the challenges facing Nigerian youths, noting that their immense energy and passion needed to be channelled positively.
She noted that: “Nigerians are among the most intelligent people on Earth. However, our youths need proper direction. With the right guidance, they can achieve great things.
“Many young people are trafficked for prostitution and other vices because they lack opportunities and direction.
“This talent hunt aims to show them that their talents can lead to a fulfilling and successful life.”
She called on philanthropists, organisations, and governments to support initiatives that harnessed the talent of young people to discourage them from leaving the country in search of greener pastures in foreign land.
She said that talent hunt was quite revealing, stressing that: “They are not just singers; we have seen incredible dancers, poets, and more.
“Redirecting their energy through such platforms can significantly impact their lives and society,” she added. (NAN
