The urgent need for a vibrant youth civic engagement in the Nigerian society has always been epitomized by the numerous socioeconomic issues among which are unemployment, child trafficking and corruption.

It is against this backdrop that non-governmental organisations, civic societies and other volunteers celebrated the International Youth Day which was held today in all states of the federation.

This year’s celebration with the theme ‘Youth Civic Engagement’ was centered on helping youths to discover their innate potentials and spurring them to action along their areas of laxity.

Relevant stakeholders in Ibadan thus; used this avenue in bringing budding youths together, with guest speakers delivering pep talks and sharing personal life experiences on how they were able to put their conceptual ideas into effective use.

The event organized by American Corners in conjunction with One Life Initiative and World Changers Development Initiative was held at American Corner Building, 54, Magazine Road, Jericho and commenced 11 a.m. Some of those motivational speakers who shared their personal experiences were Mr. Mohammed Sharafadeen; the founder of the Centre For Youth & Initiative on Self Education, Mr Olubowale Oladayo; the mastermind of Change Nigeria Alliance (CAN), Mr Sola Fagorunsi; the manager of One Life Initiative among others.

Participants were lectured on youth engagement strategies with the last electioneering period being used as a case study. Sola Fagorunsi who dwelt majorly on that aspect related the mediating roles he played as a key figure of One Life Initiative.  Other topics discussed include social entrepreneurship, organizational development, leadership, entrepreneurship and employability among others.

Sola Fagorunsi while speaking with CEOAFRICA said that every success story is tied to the vision of the pioneer. He emphasized the importance of volunteering in bringing social responsibilities into fruition but was still swift in acknowledging the apathy most Nigerian youths have for such services.

“I began my career as a freelancer with Action Health Incorporated; an enterprise that was into adolescent reproductive health for young people. It was in this field I gathered my basic writing skills, time management and leadership qualities. It was basically a learning curve for me.

One of the ills of Western inventions is that it has actually doused the spirit of volunteering among our youths. In the past, the primary bills being footed by most individuals were for power and water but today, people spend so much in recharging their phones and this has become a burden which all youths willingly plunge into.

This has also constituted a hindrance against people building their full social capacity. The basic idea I am trying to drive home is that people need to engage in more gratifying activities that would stir their natural talents. But still, it is important that people also realize that they have to give if they want to get”. He said.