An Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Hashim Atere, has called on the government and politicians to prioritize the empowerment of Nigerian youths in their policies, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement for the future of the country.
He made the call while delivering the 7th Annual Shina Peller/Oyo NUJ Oyo State Council Ramadan Lecture and Iftar in Ibadan.
Sheikh Atere stressed the urgent need for the government to provide adequate attention to the welfare of youths, noting that the lack of empowerment and social security has driven many into illegal activities, including internet fraud, kidnapping, and ritual killings.
He called on policymakers to ensure that youths are equipped with the necessary skills and opportunities to contribute positively to society.
Sheikh Atere stated that Islamic history offers valuable lessons on entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, drawing from the Prophet Muhammad’s life, which can inspire today’s youth to pursue lawful and productive careers.
Sheikh Atere, who is also the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), lamented the current condition of Nigerian youths. According to him, the growing unemployment rate and lack of support systems have pushed many youths into resorting to unethical means for survival. He called for a concerted effort from the government to create opportunities for youth development and training.
In his address, the sponsor of the event and the Ayedero of Yorubaland, Chief Shina Peller, underscored the critical role that youth play in shaping the nation’s future. He pointed out that the youth constitute over half of the country’s population and, therefore, must be actively engaged in developmental initiatives.
Chief Peller urged the government to harness the youth’s potential through effective empowerment programs to ensure societal growth.
The Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, and former Chairman of NUJ Oyo State Council, Mr. Adewumi Faniran, under whose tenure the lecture was instituted, emphasized the importance of tailored education for commercial motorcyclists, a significant portion of the youth demographic.
He urged the government to implement specialized training to broaden their skillsets and enable them to make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economy.
Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, also called on the government to take a cue from developed nations by focusing on youth empowerment as a way to drive the digital revolution in the country, creating a more prosperous future for all.
