OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT, SOCIETY FOR THE WELFARE OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS OF NIGERIA (SWUYN), ADDRESSED TO PRESIDENT ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR

ADDRESSING THE PLIGHT OF UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS AMIDST NATIONAL HARDSHIP

30th October, 2024

His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Aso Rock Presidential Villa

Abuja, FCT

 

Dear Mr. President,

 

The Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN), are writing to follow up on our letter titled, _”A Nation on the Brink: Urgent Call to President Tinubu for Economic Intervention, Ending Nigeria’s Hunger Pandemic, Unemployment, Food and Fuel Crises.”_ This letter highlighted the dire situation millions of Nigerians face due to skyrocketing food prices, food insecurity, malnutrition, fuel hikes, and youth unemployment, pushing our citizens to the edge of desperation.

 

As you are aware, your administration’s initiatives, such as the Presidential CNG Initiative (PI-CNG), Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) programmes, Boot-Camp Training Initiatives by the Ministry of Steel Development, FIRS Youth Job Recruitment, the National Directorate Of Employment (NDE) Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, and FG/BOI Intervention for 75,000 MSMEs, demonstrate your commitment to empowering young Nigerians. Your recent announcement of a National Youth Conference also is a laudable step, and we applaud your commitment to empowering young people.

 

SWUYN commend the palliative plan to support businesses, the working class, and vulnerable citizens, as well as policy interventions to check rising inflation and ensure exchange rate stability. The planned spending of 500 billion naira to boost the economy, ease transportation costs, and enhance food supply is a step in the right direction.

 

SWUYN, commend your administration’s efforts to address the multifaceted challenges facing Nigerian youths through initiatives. However, we are concerned that the benefits may not be reaching the broader youth population. We spur that you ensure these programmes reach the broader youth population and are not limited to select individuals or hijacked by greedy politicians. We believe ensuring inclusivity and equity in these programmes, guaranteeing opportunities for all unemployed youths, regardless of background or connection is a utmost way forward.

 

Specifically, we request that your administration:

 

– *Increase Transparency*: Clearly outline eligibility criteria, selection processes, and benefits for each initiative.

– *Broaden Outreach*: Expand programme awareness and accessibility to rural areas and disadvantaged communities.

– *Ensure Fair Representation*: Implement measures to prevent favouritism and ensure equal opportunities for all.

 

SWUYN emphasize the need for:

 

– *Security*: Addressing insecurity to ensure prosperity.

– *Cost of Governance*: Reducing the high cost of governance to demonstrate leaders’ shared sacrifice.

– *Oil Theft*: Investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in oil theft.

 

_State of Youth Affairs_

 

Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN), write to bring your attention to the escalating hardship and hunger facing our nation, particularly affecting unemployed youths. We appeal for urgent intervention to alleviate their suffering.

 

Current Reality:

 

Nigerian youths are grappling with,

 

1. Unemployment and poverty: Unemployment rates have skyrocketed, leaving millions of youths without livelihoods. Poverty and hunger have become rampant, threatening national stability.
2. inflation has eroded the purchasing power of citizens, exacerbating economic hardship.

 

Grievances of Unemployed Youths:

 

1. Limited access to quality education and skills development
2. Insecurity, inadequate healthcare and social services: Lack of job opportunities despite possessing qualifications. Insufficient vocational training and skills development programmes. Inadequate support for entrepreneurship and start-ups.
3. Social unrest: Limited access to social safety and social services.
4. Exclusion from decision-making processes and governance.

 

They eagerly await tangible solutions to these pressing issues.

 

_Expectations from the Youth National Confab_

 

Youths expect the conference to:

 

1. _Address Poverty and Unemployment_: Provide sustainable solutions for economic empowerment.
2. _Foster Innovation and Creativity_: Encourage start-ups, innovation hubs, and creative industries.
3. _Ensure Inclusive Representation_: Guarantee youth participation in governance and policy-making.
4. _Promote Humanitarianism_: Address humanitarian concerns, such as food insecurity, healthcare, and disaster response.

 

Demands and Solutions:

 

1. Implement a National Job Creation Programme to provide 1 million jobs within the first year.
2. Establish a Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF) with N500 billion annual allocation.
3. Increase funding for vocational training and skills development programmes.
4. Introduce a National Entrepreneurship Scheme (NES) with interest-free loans.
5. Ensure inclusive governance through youth representation in key sectors.

 

Immediate Relief Measures:

 

1. Food Assistance Programme for vulnerable youths.
2. Temporary Financial Support for unemployed youths.
3. National Youth Volunteer Scheme for community development.

 

 

 

Long-Term Strategies:

 

1. Invest in education and skills development.
2. Promote innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
3. Foster public-private partnerships for job creation.
4. Strengthen social safety nets and welfare programmes.

 

_Recommendations_

 

To effectively tackle youth-related challenges, we recommend:

 

1. Convene an Emergency National Youth Summit to address these grievances.
2. Establish a Presidential Committee on Youth Empowerment.
3. _Increased Funding for Youth Programmes:_ Allocate more resources to initiatives focused on education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and poverty alleviation. Allocate sufficient resources in the 2024/2025 budget for youth development.
4. _Youth-Led Initiatives_: Support youth-led organizations and projects driving positive change.
5. _Collaborative Governance_: Engage youths in policy development and implementation.
6. _Humanitarian Intervention_: Establish a National Humanitarian Fund to address emergencies and vulnerable populations.

 

Specifically, we propose:

 

– National Youth Empowerment Fund (NAYEF) to support entrepreneurship and skills development

– National Youth Volunteer Scheme (NYVS) for community development and humanitarian services

– Youth Representation in Governance (YRG) to ensure inclusive decision-making

 

We believe that with your leadership and commitment, Nigeria can become a beacon of hope for youth empowerment, poverty elevation, and humanitarianism. We appreciate your commitment to youth development and eagerly await tangible positive changes in the lives of Nigerian youths. Our eyes are watching keenly, and we are committed to supporting your administration’s efforts.

 

Thank you for your dedication to Nigerian youths.

 

Amb. Preye V. Tambou

National President, SWUYN