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The Senator Polycarp Nwite Foundation for Democratic Accountability has alerted that Nigeria's democracy is faced with serious threat from widespread hunger and insecurity.
This information was contained in a statement by the foundation Executive Director, Mr Michael Nwite.
The foundation also identified “palpable food insecurity, insensitivity of the political class, and declining faith in political leadership” as key factors responsible for the widespread disillusionment among Nigerian youths.
According to the statement in parts, “These factors, in addition to diverse other economic challenges and the lingering intractable security problem in the country, have become the oxygen fuelling criminality and the current exodus by young Nigerians to foreign lands, in search of better economic and social fortunes, referred to as ‘Japa’ syndrome in local parlance,” the foundation said.
It expressed concerns that the challenging economy and weak institutions had eroded the faith of the youth in democracy.
“It’s no longer in doubt that the impact of the challenging economic environment, scarce opportunities, dysfunctional social infrastructure, and weak institutions have continued to erode the faith of the Nigerian youth demography in democracy and turning their backs in droves on the nation,” Mr Nwite said.
“For the survival and sustenance of democracy in the nation, the government must take urgent steps to stimulate real productivity, address the current alarming rate of unemployment, criminality, and disillusionment among young Nigerians, which is fast destroying the fibre and potential of the youth demography and pose a significant threat to the nation’s security, development, and future,” the foundation said.
It also called on the government to create opportunities for youth participation in governance and decision-making, support youth-led initiatives and entrepreneurship, and invest in agriculture to address food insecurity.
