Guest
Writer: Grace Ihejiamaizu
That young people constitute the majority
of the Nation’s population is a well known fact. There is no doubt also that
the future of the nation rests on the shoulders of the youths. Without youths,
the nation’s future and existence is threatened. Youths are like the catalysts that
will lead to progress and change especially in the economy of the nation. They
are the hub of the nation and the agents that will foster development. Their
concerns and needs must therefore be taken care of if we must have sustainable
development in Nigeria. It is however overwhelming that most of our youths do
not have the necessary leadership skills to serve as agents of change in
Nigeria. The value system and principles of ethics seem to have been swept
down.
Recognizing these challenges, RYPE Initiative
has introduced the “Youth-Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Academic Development
(YLEAD)” program supported by the Michelle Obama’s Young African Women Leader’s
Forum. YLEAD begins with a 5-day intensive training program for 15-24 year old
secondary school leavers who are awaiting admission or JAMB examination.
YLEAD goes beyond the training program to
provide mentoring and place these young people on internship programs to learn
various skills. YLEAD also creates the platform for them to develop and start
their own small businesses. It is positively aimed at engaging young people and
helping them develop their personal, leadership and entrepreneurial skills for
positive engagement. We want to help them utilize the one year period that they
have to stay at home before enrolling in a University Program.
The essence of this program is to infuse
independence, self-awareness, ethical values, leadership and entrepreneurial
skills into young people. Instilling these values and skills in them at a young
age would help them recognize the challenges we face and develop problem-solving
ideas to make a difference in Nigeria. In the long term, it would curb youth
restiveness and unemployment. Rather than engage in criminal activities,
idleness and other unproductive activities, we want young people to use their
inherent talents and leadership capabilities to initiate innovative ideas that
will develop into small sustainable businesses in Nigeria. Entrepreneurship is
key in the growth of any nation’s economy and must be encouraged.
Since the youths are the ones who would
meet the specific manpower needs of the nation, then they must be inspired,
empowered and prepared to become leaders, movers and shakers of Nigeria and the
world at large.
Bio:
Grace Ihejiamaizu is the founding coordinator of Y-LEAD, a youth
empowerment program for young people in Calabar. For more information on how to
get involved, please visit: http://youthleadcamp.wordpress.com
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