The National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national policy.
The national speaker of the assembly, Usman Shagari made this known in Abuja at a news conference in commemoration of the Democracy Day celebration.
Shagari urged Tinubu to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which could help the country achieve substantial progress and also secure a promising future for the nation’s youth.
“We emphasise the significance of prioritising specific SDGs, including the eradication of poverty (SDG-1), the establishment of an inclusive economy (SDG-8), the improvement of health and well-being (SDG-3).
“The advancement of education (SDG-4), the promotion of gender equality (SDG-5), and the creation of an enabling environment of peace and security (SDG-16), along with fostering partnerships (SDG-17).
“These objectives align with Nigeria’s current development priorities, ensuring a strategic and effective approach to national progress,” he said.
According to him, actively pursuing the SDGs will address the pressing issues that hinder sustainable development in Nigeria as eradicating poverty will uplift the lives of millions while an inclusive economy will provide equal opportunities for all.
“NYAN recognises the immense economic and electoral value that young people bring to our society.
“As such, we firmly establish that investing in youth opportunities and engaging them in matters of security, development and the electoral system is vital for the progress of Nigeria and any nation.
“We call upon Nigeria’s political and religious leaders to refrain from exploiting the youth for their personal gains, as this practice has dire implications for the sustenance of our democracy,” he said.
He also stated that Nigerian youths encounter numerous challenges, including illiteracy, ethnic sentiments, unemployment, poverty, bad governance, and gender bias, among others.
“On the flip side, some young individuals engage in negative activities such as insecurity, electoral violence, and economic disruption through acts like kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and pipeline vandalism.
“These negative impacts not only jeopardise Nigeria’s democracy but also afflict nations across the globe,” he added.