Obi blames leadership failure, political greed for high unemployment
The Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described a recent report from ActionAid and Plan International as a condemnation of Nigeria's leadership and economic path.
The report estimates that the country's youth unemployment rate stands at 80 percent.
Obi highlighted that this figure amounts to over 80 million young individuals lacking employment. He termed this reality as alarming, especially given the vast size of Nigeria's population.
The former Anambra State governor expressed these opinions through a post on his verified social media account on X.
In his statement, he accused the current government, headed by President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, of neglecting the duty to invest in the youth of the nation.
Obi mentioned, “The recent report from ActionAid/Plan International brings to light the shocking reality that more than 80 million young Nigerians are without jobs, standing as a condemnation of our leadership and economic strategy.
“Nigeria leads the globe in the absolute count of unemployed youth due to our large population, with over 80 million youths jobless.
“Conversely, South Africa has a youth unemployment rate of approximately 60 percent, which equals about six million unemployed youths, still over 70 million fewer than Nigeria.
“When vast numbers of youths are without jobs, it is not merely a youth issue; it signifies a failure in leadership. This is a direct outcome of political selfishness that has neglected the needs of the populace.
“Nigeria possesses one of the largest youth demographics globally, with roughly 75 percent of our population below the age of 35. With such a significant portion of the population being young, such extensive joblessness should be treated as a national crisis.
“It is profoundly concerning that instead of investing in these young individuals, who are our most valuable resources, and fostering and supporting MSMEs to stimulate growth and generate jobs, we, as leaders, have opted for wasteful expenditures, corruption, unproductive borrowing, and strategies that will diminish opportunities and escalate poverty, reducing Nigerian youths to potential perpetrators of various vices.
“Nigeria is not deficient in enterprising and capable youths; what we lack are leaders who are committed to generating opportunities.”
“We require leaders who recognize that job creation stems from targeted investments in production and from operating a government that prioritizes prudence, transparency, and the needs of the people, which can elevate individuals out of poverty.
“We need leadership that views the youth as the driving force behind a nation’s productivity and growth. Now more than ever, it is crucial for Nigerian youths to engage and ensure they elect leaders who genuinely care for their welfare and the welfare of our country.
“Nigeria deserves capable, trustworthy, compassionate, and effective leadership that will foster opportunities and empower our young Nigerians. A New Nigeria is achievable,” he concluded.
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