Remy Chukwunyere Calls On FG To Prioritise Youth Development In Its Bid To Achieve National Security.

Remy & Titi Atiku Abubakar with others.

A prominent youth advocate and leadership coach, Remy Chukwunyere, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to place youth development at the heart of its national security strategy, noting that the growing rate of insecurity across the country is deeply connected to youth unemployment and exclusion.

Delivering a keynote speech over the weekend at the one year anniversary of Kiajer Youth Foundation in Abuja, Mr Chukwunyere emphasised that no nation can achieve sustainable peace and security without addressing the social and economic challenges facing its young population.

> “You cannot talk about national security without talking about youth empowerment,” he stated. “When millions of young people are idle, frustrated, and without opportunities, the nation becomes vulnerable to crime, violence, and extremism. Empowering young Nigerians is not charity—it’s a matter of national survival.”

Mr Chukwunyere, who is also the Executive Director of the Ugwumba Leadership Center, highlighted the need for coordinated investments in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. According to him, such initiatives would not only reduce unemployment but also channel the creativity and energy of Nigerian youths into productive ventures.

He commended some ongoing federal initiatives but urged the government to move beyond rhetoric and tokenism, calling for measurable targets and stronger partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

> “Youth development should be a national security priority, not just a social policy,” he added. “The government must intentionally integrate youth inclusion into every major decision—from the economy to defense—because the strength of our nation lies in the strength of its young people.”

He also called on the youths to remain proactive and innovative, urging them to participate actively in governance, entrepreneurship, and community development instead of waiting for government handouts.

> “The future of Nigeria will be determined by what the youths, decide to do with the opportunities before them,” he concluded.

The youth advocate’s message comes at a time when the country is grappling with rising unemployment, insecurity, and socio-economic instability, issues many experts believe can only be resolved through deliberate youth-centered policies and actions.