(DDM) – Hon. Kenneth C. Gbandi has sharply criticized the Nigerian government for sidelining the country’s youth, despite their exceptional talent in information and communication technology (ICT), innovation, and start-ups.
Speaking in Asaba, Gbandi, who leads the ADC Diaspora Network, warned that ignoring the nation’s young population has fueled record unemployment.
He argued that the sidelining of youth is exacerbating national security challenges and hindering sustainable development across Nigeria.
“Despite their creativity, drive, and global competitiveness, our young people are often neglected by successive administrations,” Gbandi said.
He highlighted the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youth in ICT, technology innovation, and entrepreneurial ventures, emphasizing that these sectors could serve as engines of economic growth if adequately supported.
According to Gbandi, the lack of targeted policies and investment for young professionals has left millions underemployed and frustrated.
He also stressed that this neglect undermines national progress, as youth represent a vital force for innovation, economic diversification, and social stability.
Gbandi pointed to other examples of successful Nigerian youth in the diaspora and at home, noting that their achievements demonstrate what is possible when young people are empowered and given opportunities.
As leader of the ADC Diaspora Network, Gbandi has a track record of advocacy for youth inclusion and has previously promoted initiatives supporting education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development among Nigerians abroad.
He called on government institutions to implement structured programs that integrate youth into decision-making processes, innovation hubs, and start-up financing initiatives.
Failure to do so, Gbandi warned, risks widening the unemployment crisis and leaving the country increasingly vulnerable to social unrest.
“Investing in the youth is investing in Nigeria’s future,” he said, urging policymakers to recognize the strategic importance of the nation’s young population.
The statement in Asaba comes amid growing concern over unemployment statistics, rising insecurity in rural and urban areas, and the underutilization of Nigeria’s vast human capital.
Gbandi concluded that addressing these challenges requires political will, robust policy frameworks, and a commitment to nurturing the skills and ambitions of Nigeria’s next generation of leaders and innovators.
The call resonates with broader debates on national development, highlighting the urgent need for policies that prioritize youth empowerment as a cornerstone of economic recovery and security enhancement.
Nigeria’s youth, he emphasized, have proven their capability on global platforms, yet domestic neglect remains a persistent barrier to harnessing their full potential.
With strategic support, Gbandi insists, young Nigerians could drive transformative growth in ICT, start-ups, and technological innovation, positioning the country as a leader in Africa and beyond.
The ADC Diaspora Network plans to continue advocating for youth-focused programs and engagement, reinforcing the message that ignoring the potential of young citizens is not only unjust but strategically detrimental to Nigeria’s future.
