NYC to Partner with FG, Private Sector to Tackle Youth Unemployment
The newly elected President of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Comrade Annum Jethro Terhile, has pledged to work closely with the Federal Government, private sector players, and international development partners to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment in Nigeria.
Jethro committed shortly after his inauguration alongside other executive members of the NYC over the weekend in Abuja. He was inaugurated by the Dr. Yakubu Shendam-led Board of Trustees (BOT), following his election at the 2025 National Convention of the Congress.
In his acceptance speech, Jethro described unemployment as one of the greatest obstacles facing Nigerian youths. He assured that under his leadership, the NYC would not only focus on creating jobs but also nurture a new generation of job creators.
“The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth. An unempowered youth is not only a minus but a danger and a threat to the country,” he said.
The NYC President outlined his administration’s priorities, which include vocational training centres, entrepreneurship hubs, technology and innovation labs, and agricultural empowerment projects. He stressed that these initiatives would be designed to ensure inclusivity, cutting across all regions, religions, and ethnic groups.
While acknowledging a slight reduction in Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate from 8.0 percent to 7.5 percent, Jethro maintained that much more needs to be done to tackle underemployment, limited job opportunities, and the lack of platforms for young people to showcase their skills and talents. He referred to this as “the Nigerian youth question,” which must be solved to secure the nation’s future.
“To the teeming Nigerian youths: this is your Congress. Your dreams, your struggles, and your aspirations will shape our journey. I promise an inclusive platform where your voices will be heard, your ideas will be valued, and your potential will be unleashed,” he declared.
He further assured that NYC, under his leadership, would actively engage with government at all levels to ensure policies align with the needs of young people while fostering an environment where innovation, creativity, and hard work are rewarded.
Extending a hand of partnership, Jethro called on stakeholders to support the Congress in providing young Nigerians with the resources they need to thrive. “Let us unite in building a Nigeria where no youth is left behind, where every young person has the tools to succeed, and where our collective energy transforms challenges into opportunities,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, BOT Chairman Dr. Shendam urged the new NYC leadership to engage constructively with politicians across party lines ahead of the 2027 elections, to secure better welfare and opportunities for young Nigerians. He stressed that youth empowerment and access to opportunities must remain at the heart of national development policies.
Other dignitaries at the inauguration commended the transparent process that produced the new NYC executives and urged the team to remain focused on delivering programmes that will uplift Nigerian youths and strengthen their role in nation-building.
