Celebrating the United Nation International Youth Day is a time for re-evaluation and renewed approach on leadership, governance and developmental strategies that will guarantee a better society.The youth unarguable occupy the largest demography of the global population. Going by the theme of the International Youth Day 2022, it is pertinent to note that no demography can survived on its ownother than inter-dependenceon each age bracket to build a sustainable growth and maintain aprogressive index.
The place of knowledge and experience is not negotiable. The Nigerian youths must subject themselves to learning and mentorship. This is very necessary as experience can never be purchased other than being acquired. Though learning is a two way process and the drive towards knowledge acquisition will elevate people to the same pedestal as no age bracket can boast of a monopoly of knowledge and wisdom in seeking to address some of the challenges that are confronting the society.
The revolution in technology has avail youths the opportunities to advance interaction and learning. This must be embraced to better the society otherthan using it in promoting crime and criminality. While appreciating the energies that come with youthfulness,youths must embrace leadership and must demonstrate to be worthy leaders.The youths must be patient to teach older citizens and be willing to learn from them as well. The older generation must accept evolving trends and seek knowledge to fit into the times and be productive too.The senior citizen must be willing to tolerate excesses of the younger generation and be committed to learn and mentor as well.
Government must create a sustainable platform that will encourage infusion there by capitalizing on the knowledge and experiences of senior citizens to help the youths to build carriers and exposure. An exchange program between retired public and private practitioners should be initiated to create room for knowledge exchange and mentorship for the younger generation. This will help in bridging the gapcreated by age and front a renewed partnership to advance the course of humanity.
Nigerian Youths must be intentional in the area of politics and governance. Youths must join political parties and be active players. Youths must seek leadership position and serve with dignity and honor. The system must create friendly policies and level playing ground for youths to compete with people of all ages.
Habila Kayit
Executive Director, Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Development Initiative (GLEMDI)