13/08/2026
That's Right!
Thank you NHRC Nigeria
INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE IS INVESTING IN NIGERIA’S HUMAN RIGHTS FUTURE” – CHIEF OJUKWU
On International Youth Day 2026, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, says Nigeria’s future depends on how well it invests in young people today.
Investing in young people is investing in Nigeria’s human rights future,” said Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, Executive Secretary of the NHRC.
“We must listen to their voices, protect their rights, and create opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.”
Marking the day under with the theme “From Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”Chief Ojukwu noted that young people are not just leaders of tomorrow, but partners in shaping Nigeria now.
Yet millions of young Nigerians continue to have their rights threatened.
The Commission highlighted unemployment, poverty, limited access to quality education, discrimination, violence, trafficking, exploitation, and abuses in digital spaces as key challenges.
For many, the lack of jobs and opportunities has led to frustration, drug abuse, and migration abroad in search of better lives.
But the NHRC said there is reason for hope. It pointed to young Nigerians already leading change, including Hon. Salihu, Advisory Board Member on Migration with IOM, and Agnes Ogo, an advocate against illegal migration.
“We have beauty in agriculture. We have beauty in education. We have beauty in the creative industry. We have beauty in tech. We have beauty in sports,” Chief Ojukwu said. “These are the areas we must invest in to transform our youth and our nation.”
To back this investment, the NHRC said it is scaling up human rights awareness, public enlightenment, and programs that help young people know and claim their rights.
The Commission also issues advisories and interventions to address violations affecting youth.
Chief Ojukwu stressed that protecting youth rights directly advances SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions — both critical for an inclusive and rights-respecting society.
The NHRC therefore called on government, civil society, development partners, communities and young people to renew their commitment to youth empowerment.
