Comrade Annum Jethro Terhile, newly elected President of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), has pledged to confront the challenge of youth unemployment head-on by forging partnerships with government agencies and the private sector to drive skill acquisition and empowerment programmes.
Jethro, who emerged president during the 2025 National Convention of the NYC, made this known in his acceptance speech after he and other executive members across the country were officially inaugurated by the Dr. Yakubu Shendam-led Board of Trustees.
According to him, the NYC under his leadership will place youth empowerment at the heart of its agenda, prioritizing collaborations with federal and state governments, private sector players, and international partners with credible development initiatives. He stressed that the goal is to create sustainable platforms that equip young Nigerians with skills, resources, and opportunities to excel and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.
The NYC president noted that Nigerian youths continue to grapple with unemployment, underemployment, and limited opportunities, despite a marginal drop in youth unemployment from 8.0 percent to 7.5 percent. He said the figures remain a reminder that much more must be done. “An unempowered youth is not only a setback but a danger to the country,” he warned, describing the situation as the urgent need to resolve what he called “the Nigerian youth question.”
Jethro outlined his vision, stating that the Congress will champion vocational training, entrepreneurship hubs, technology innovation labs, and agricultural empowerment schemes to provide diverse pathways for young Nigerians. He assured that no youth would be left behind, regardless of tribe or religion. “We will not only create jobs but nurture job creators because the future of this country lies in the hands of its youth,” he declared.
Speaking directly to young Nigerians, he said: “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 valued, and your potential unleashed. Together, we will push for government policies that reflect the realities of our youth and create an environment where innovation, creativity, and hard work are truly rewarded.”
He also extended a call for unity and partnership. “To my fellow leaders, stakeholders, and partners, I extend a hand of collaboration. Let us work together to build 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.”
Earlier, Dr. Shendam charged the new NYC leadership to negotiate a better deal with politicians across party lines ahead of the 2027 elections, urging them to keep the welfare of Nigerian youths at the forefront.
Other speakers at the inauguration praised the transparent process that produced the new leadership and encouraged the executives to stay committed to programmes that would secure empowerment, progress, and a brighter future for Nigerian youths.
