The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI) has called on governments, policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen youth inclusion, expand digital access and create more economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
MAJI through its Programme Coordinator, Ikechukwu Ahaka, made the call while commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day, with the theme, “Different Contexts, the Same Aspirations” in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the theme recognises that although young people live in different national and local contexts, they share common aspirations, including dignity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education, economic opportunities and a sustainable future.
The organisation pointed out that young people in communities with large youth populations often face overlapping challenges, including poverty, climate change, geographical isolation, limited economic opportunities and unequal access to digital technologies.
MAJI further explained that Nigeria has one of the world’s largest youth populations, with more than 60 per cent of its population below the age of 30.
It expressed concern over the country’s youth unemployment crisis, saying the situation could worsen as more than 1.7 million graduates enter the labour market annually amid limited employment opportunities.
MAJI attributed the challenges facing young Nigerians to factors including inadequate youth-focused policies, mismanagement of public resources and an economy that remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
Drawing from its Community-Centred Connectivity Initiatives (CCCI), which seeks to promote digital inclusion, access and literacy among young people in underserved communities, MAJI urged governments to develop policies that support youth employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
It also called for expanded digital infrastructure and literacy programmes, particularly in underserved rural and urban communities.
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The organisation urged civil society groups, the media and other stakeholders to support youth training, mentorship and youth-led initiatives capable of promoting economic resilience, leadership and innovation.
MAJI further called for greater youth participation in environmental conservation and climate action, saying young people should be involved in initiatives that promote community resilience and sustainable environmental practices.
On job creation, the organisation urged the government to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and implement policies that create an enabling environment for startups, entrepreneurship and mentorship programmes.
It also expressed concern over the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, citing UNESCO figures that put the number at about 20 million children aged six to 18.
MAJI called for urgent measures to improve access to quality education and establish regular vocational and skills-development programmes for young Nigerians.
“As the Media Awareness and Justice Initiative joins the global commemoration of International Youth Day, we continue to resonate with this year’s theme, ‘Different Contexts, the Same Aspirations.’
“We strongly believe that empowering Nigerian youths is essential to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future. By engaging and developing young people, we can create an ecosystem hinged on innovation, economic growth and sustainable development,” he said.
MAJI called on all stakeholders to support a robust framework that promotes youth inclusion and participation and enables young people to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s social and economic development.
