Expert Calls for Urgent Action on Youth Unemployment in South-West Nigeria
Development expert and business leader, Femi Oshoniyi, has issued a stark warning to governors in Nigeria's South-West region, urging them to confront the escalating crisis of youth unemployment without delay. Oshoniyi emphasized that failure to address this issue could exacerbate insecurity and erode the economic progress achieved in the zone.
Rising Unemployment as a Breeding Ground for Crime
Oshoniyi, who serves as the former President of the Rotary Club in Isolo and Managing Director of Sparta Construction, highlighted that the increasing number of idle youths is creating fertile ground for criminal activities. He specifically cited armed robbery, cultism, cybercrime, and kidnapping as direct consequences of unemployment, stressing that this trend poses a severe threat to public safety and social stability in the region.
Demographic Crisis Looming in the South-West
With an estimated population exceeding 50 million people, a substantial portion of whom are of working age, Oshoniyi warned that the South-West faces a potential demographic crisis. He argued that without immediate intervention to combat both unemployment and underemployment, the region risks long-term economic stagnation and social unrest, undermining its development goals.
Technology and Agriculture as Key Solutions
Oshoniyi identified the technology sector as a pivotal driver for job creation, noting that Nigeria's ICT industry contributes over 18 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He advocated for expanded access to digital skills through initiatives such as tech hubs, coding academies, and robust public-private partnerships to harness this potential.
Additionally, he pointed to agriculture as a viable pathway for employment, suggesting that investments in this sector could provide sustainable livelihoods for the youth, thereby reducing dependency on urban job markets and fostering rural economic growth.
In conclusion, Oshoniyi's call to action underscores the critical need for South-West governors to implement strategic measures that address youth unemployment, leveraging technology and agriculture to secure a prosperous future for the region.
