ENGAGING THE YOUTH FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

Abstract

The role of the youth on economic growth cannot be over emphasized. The wheel of development of any country lies on the shoulder of how productive and creative the youthful populations are. The study reveals that Low GDP growth, economic recession, and low investment are direct causes in the shrinking demand for job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth and above all a mirror image of the state of an economy. It, therefore, explains that YEP (Youth Empowerment Program) has not alleviated poverty among the target beneficiaries and has insignificantly contributed to economic growth. Thus, there is the need to review the application of sustainable development concepts and its practicability in Nigeria. The new National Youth Policy is a product of all-inclusive, participatory and consultative meetings with various stakeholders across the length and breadth of the country as well as International Development Partners. The participatory approach to the design of the policy has heightened awareness and provided opportunities for various actors to articulate their views and make inputs into the new policy. That, is why society that prepare their youth for the sake of future aspiration will not only secure her future development; but, will prepare her next set of leaders with the challenges of national reconciliation and development. So, therefore, the role of youth on national development is sacrosanct to the whole developmental aspiration of any society.