The Role of Orientation in Youth Empowerment for National Development

Young and competent people are often recognised as the vibrant conscience of the world being the active drivers of social change, cultural heritage, viable economy and democratic polity for shared prosperity of any progressive nation. Challenges of the ailing Nigerian community which necessitate re-orientation of youths include family instability, moral bankruptcy, increasing population and unemployment, incessant strikes, declining fortunes of education, bad governance, defective service delivery, and unhealthy lifestyles of the citizenry. A strategic plan for creative orientation of youths toward their empowerment should be anchored on functional education and entrepreneurial training, acquisition of core family values, exemplary leadership and mentorship, self-development for self-reliance, exhibition and preservation of cultural heritage, career fairs and seminars, good self-concept, and inculcation of safety and security of life and property. Hence, it is suggested that adequate funding of qualitative education and specialised training, resuscitation of ailing manufacturing industries, provision of functional modern infrastructural facilities in schools and society, display of purposeful democratic leadership, inculcation of core family values and professional standards within the context of our cultural heritage, and exposure to basic principles of healthy living would empower our energetic and talented youths for quality human life. This could strengthen the youths to become excellent professionals that will manage the national economy and polity for shared prosperity of the people in a dynamic world of greater possibilities and achievements.