Int’l Youth Day: Make Youth Development National Priority, Akpua Tells Government 

Int’l Youth Day: Make Youth Development National Priority, Akpua Tells Government 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Founder of the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD), Dr. Hillary Akpua, has told the government at all levels that youth development must be treated as a matter of urgent national importance.

He warned that Nigeria risks undermining its future if the needs of its young population are not met.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja to mark the United Nations International Youth Day, Akpua said Nigerian youth are the single most important asset for the country’s growth, but their potential is being stifled by poor access to quality education, high unemployment, and lack of digital infrastructure.

“Without deliberate and sustained investment in our youth, we are building on a shaky foundation. The government must put in place concrete policies that guarantee education for all, create meaningful jobs, and equip our young people with the digital skills to compete globally,” he said.

The GAIYD founder warned that neglecting youth issues could deepen insecurity, fuel drug abuse, and widen the gap between Nigeria and other developing nations making progress in innovation and human capital development.

He pointed to recent youth-led achievements as proof of what is possible when talent meets opportunity.

“From the Super Falcons clinching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title to D’Tigress securing consecutive AfroBasket championships, our sportswomen have flown the Nigerian flag high.

“In technology, our young innovators are building fintech platforms that attract millions in foreign investment and are creating apps that solve problems across Africa. These victories show what is possible if government creates the right environment,” Akpua said.

He also stressed the need for government programmes that address the challenges faced by the boy child, whose needs he said are often “invisible” in policy discussions.

“We cannot afford to overlook the boy child. His growth, discipline, and education are essential to family stability and national progress,” he warned.

Akpua urged unity among young Nigerians, calling on them to reject drug abuse, embrace patriotism, and work together across ethnic and religious lines to build a better country. He also pushed for the creation of regular youth policy forums, where young people can directly influence decisions.

Akpua, who also serves as CEO of Hillmira Group, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, development, capacity building, export, production, and general contracting, reaffirmed GAIYD’s mission of raising a generation of responsible, skilled, and visionary leaders.

“An empowered youth is not just an option; it is the foundation of a great nation. The time for government to act decisively is now,” he emphasized.