On the occasion of International Youth Day, a pivotal event that marks the importance of youth in societal development, Hrishub International Limited had the honor of representing the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the Kwara State Government House. This event, which brought together policymakers, thought leaders, and the youth, was aimed at discussing the challenges facing Nigerian youths and identifying potential solutions to these issues. The outcome of these discussions was pivotal, as they will feed into the recommendations NIPSS will present to the President at the end of the year during the Presidential Presentation on policy reforms for youth development.
The Significance of International Youth Day
International Youth Day is an important event that underscores the role of young people in shaping the future. In Nigeria, the day was used to focus on the growing challenges Nigerian youths face, including unemployment, lack of access to quality education, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. The event at the Kwara State Government House provided a platform for these concerns to be heard by the right stakeholders, ensuring that the youth’s voice would be considered in the formulation of policies.
NIPSS’s Role in Youth Development
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is Nigeria’s foremost think tank, focusing on research, training, and the development of strategic solutions to the country’s societal issues. As a center for policy formulation, NIPSS plays a critical role in addressing the key challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the realm of youth development.
At this event, NIPSS was represented by Amb. Tabitha Hris, the Founder and CEO of Hrishub International Limited. Amb. Hris, an expert in technology, policy analysis, and youth empowerment, was invited by the Kwara State Government to present on behalf of NIPSS. During the session, she shared insights on how technology and digital solutions could serve as key drivers of youth empowerment, bridging the gaps between Nigeria’s youth and available opportunities.
Key Challenges of Nigerian Youths
The challenges Nigerian youths face are vast, multifaceted, and systemic. These include:
- Unemployment: Nigeria has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, and a large percentage of the youth population is either underemployed or unemployed. The lack of sufficient job opportunities in traditional sectors exacerbates this problem.
- Education Gaps: The quality of education in Nigeria often does not align with the evolving demands of the job market. Many Nigerian youths struggle with accessing quality education, leaving them unprepared for the digital economy and the skills required to thrive in it.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: The lack of infrastructure, especially in rural areas, limits the access of youths to digital tools, internet connectivity, and the resources needed to develop their skills and knowledge.
- Underrepresentation in Leadership: Nigerian youths are underrepresented in decision-making processes, which affects their ability to influence policies that impact their futures.
Proposed Solutions for Youth Empowerment
During her presentation, Amb. Tabitha Hris proposed several actionable solutions aimed at addressing these challenges. The following solutions were highlighted:
- Digital Education and Skill Development: Nigeria’s youth must be empowered with digital literacy and skills training. By investing in edtech solutions and fostering partnerships with organizations like Hrishub International Limited, which has successfully trained youths in various tech fields, Nigeria can close the skills gap and prepare its youth for the digital economy.
- Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Amb. Hris emphasized the need for youth to be empowered through entrepreneurship programs that focus on innovation, particularly in emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and blockchain. With initiatives like Hrishub’s Techpreneur’s Ignite, Nigerian youths have a platform to learn, innovate, and access opportunities in the tech ecosystem.
- Policy Reforms for Job Creation: There is a need for comprehensive policy reforms that incentivize job creation, especially in the tech and digital sectors. By establishing innovation hubs, supporting start-ups, and providing access to capital for young entrepreneurs, Nigeria can boost job creation for its youth.
- Youth Representation in Governance: The voices of Nigerian youths must be included in the policy-making process. Amb. Hris stressed the importance of creating platforms for youth to engage in governance, ensuring that their challenges are understood and that they have a stake in the decisions that affect their future.
- Investment in Rural Infrastructure: To bridge the digital divide, there is a need for significant investment in rural infrastructure. This includes improving internet connectivity, establishing innovation centers, and ensuring that rural youths have access to the same resources as their urban counterparts.
Looking Forward to NIPSS’s Presidential Presentation
The insights and solutions presented during this event will be distilled into recommendations for the upcoming Presidential Presentation at the end of the year. NIPSS will compile these suggestions, focusing on youth empowerment through technology, policy reforms, and sustainable job creation. The hope is that these policies will be considered for implementation in the government’s strategic plans for youth development in the coming years.
Conclusion
Hrishub International Limited, under the leadership of Amb. Tabitha Hris, played a crucial role in representing NIPSS at the Kwara State Government House during International Youth Day. Through the discussions, Nigerian youths were able to voice their concerns, while potential solutions to their challenges were proposed. The collaboration between NIPSS, Hrishub, and other stakeholders reflects the importance of a unified approach to addressing the issues that affect Nigerian youths. As the year progresses, we can look forward to the positive impact of these discussions on national policies and the future of Nigeria’s youth.