The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a comprehensive rights-based approach to youth empowerment in Nigeria as the world marks the 2025 International Youth Day.
In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, urged government and stakeholders to address unemployment, improve access to quality education and healthcare, and prepare young people for leadership roles.
According to him, young Nigerians are not just beneficiaries of development but “deep thinkers, active innovators, mobilizers, and partners in shaping a future anchored on equity, dignity, and respect for human rights.”
Dr. Ojukwu noted that despite their energy, resilience, and potential, Nigerian youth still face challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, poor access to education, and lack of leadership mentorship. He also expressed concern over the economic hardship confronting them, citing rising living costs, unemployment, poverty, and insecurity as key factors affecting their well-being.
“These challenges limit opportunities for meaningful political and economic participation and foster a sense of exclusion from governance processes,” he said.
The NHRC boss further stressed the need to improve youth-friendly health services, including mental health and reproductive care, especially for vulnerable young women and those in rural areas.
International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12 to highlight the contributions and challenges of young people globally.
