By John Ikani
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has decried the level of youth unemployment in the country, saying it is worse than a time bomb waiting to explode.
The monarch, who was a guest on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, Newsnight, yesterday, linked youth unemployment to the current security challenges bedeviling Africa’s most populous nation.
“I don’t even know if calling it a ticking time bomb is appropriate anymore because it is getting so close,” he said.
Giving the unemployment rate at over 30 percent, he said: “We have a very young population. These young men and women have energy and they have time. If they are not using their energy and time in a productive direction, then you can be sure it is going to be in a counterproductive direction.
“It is just simple logic. While it is not a situation that is unique to Nigeria, we have to embrace any and every creative measure once again within the legal framework that engages these young men and women.”
He called on leaders of the country to guide young Nigerians, warning that if steps are not taken to tackle the rising unemployment among youths, the unemployment rate could hit 40 percent.
It is worthwhile to note that Nigeria has the largest population of youth in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years. About 70% of the population are under 30, and 42% are under the age of 15.
The size and youthfulness of the population offer great potential to expand Nigeria’s capacity as the regional economic hub of Africa and globally.
The monarch’s comments on youth unemployment comes at a time Nigeria’s large population of unskilled and economically unproductive youths have become a burden to society.
When productively engaged, a young, large population could be an economic asset because population growth and economic development correlates.
On the worsening insecurity in the country, the Olu asked the Federal Government to carry the traditional institutions along.
He said: “I think a lot has to be considered with an open mind, we have a constitution as it is. A lot will argue that it is flawed and certain things were omitted, but that is fine.
“But those who put it together did so with the best they had available to them. I believe constitutions should be living and breathing documents. With time, when it’s glaring to all without a shadow of a doubt that changes need to be made, I think everybody should come together and say how can we make a change that improves on what previously existed.
“There was once a constitution that officially recognised our role as traditional rulers. I think it is gradually going back in that direction. It is being considered and I will encourage that.”
