Change Nigeria Project

The imperative of youth’s development in nation building cannot be over emphasized. As a result most advanced and ‘serious’ emerging nations of the world give priority attention and recognition to the advancement and development of this integral part of every nation.

According to World Bank statistics released in 2007, 70 million Nigerians are unemployed of which majority are youths and in another report by World Bank and DFID unemployment amongst youths between the ages of 15-29 years of age is above 60%. The dilemma of the situation is that more graduates are turned out in large numbers every year without adequate employment opportunities’ to absorb at least a reasonable percentage- the effect of unemployment inherently leads to adverse security challenges with dire consequences. One of the resultant effects of the lack of unemployment of the Nigerian youth is manifested in the treat to lives and property and the present insecurity to the nation’s economic well-being in the Niger-Delta.

CNP acknowledges these challenges posed in the development and advancement of the cause of the youth in Nigeria. These challenges are as a result of lack of good governance, corruption; long neglect and failure to make adequate budget provisions and the lack of implementation of an inadequate budget for the desired purpose where provided for. The above inventory of problems provides little or no menu of options as a solution in the present political dispensation in Nigeria. Although, these catalogue of problems was not primarily created or caused by the present administration but its inability to address the issues from its roots cause is inexcusable. CNP would engage the youth, business community and the educational sector in the development of a curriculum that would make Nigeria youths comparable and equipped to compete and face the challenges and sophistication of the ever evolving global community.

Culture

Nigeria’s area of strength in youth capacity development would be strengthened. In the field of culture- the film (Nollywood) and the Music industries should be developed and equipped to compete globally. CNP identifies that a virile entertainment industry is deserving of protection, hence adequate legislative provisions and enforcement mechanism against piracy and other industry related ills would be advanced.  CNP recognizes that the protection of intellectual rights would lead to wealth creation and generate employment opportunities’- thereby increasing the standard of living.

Sport

To return Nigeria to her glorious past, the necessary infrastructure and personnel’s should be employed with financial and budget independence free from the clutches of government ministry. Teams should be selected to represent the best we have as a country and not to balance ethnic and or regional equations. The attainment of these goals cannot be achieved in isolation of the other critical sectors of Nigeria -Infrastructural development will create decent job opportunities’ for the youths. Transparent economic reform and implementation will improve the general quality of life. Desired improvements in all the critical sectors will lead to the reduction in preventable social ills and insecurity. In order to pursue the latter, the former must be attained and corruption fought without a shield, only then can the youths be inspired to change and embrace the new world order with hope distilled and built for the common good.