By Comr. Clinton Ogbeide, National Public Relations Officer, SWUYN
10th March, 2026
The second keynote session of the ongoing SWUYN@10 Anniversary and National Unemployed Youths Day featured a powerful and thought-provoking address by Dileep Kumar, who emphasized that unemployed youths in Nigeria should be seen not as a burden but as a strategic national asset capable of driving economic growth and innovation.
Prof. Kumar delivered the keynote lecture titled “Why Unemployed Youths Are Not a Liability but a National Asset” at the event organized by the Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) at De Ellis Event Centre as part of activities marking the organisation’s 10th Anniversary and National Unemployed Youths Day celebration.
In his address, the renowned academic and former Vice Chancellor of Hensard University highlighted the immense potential embedded in Nigeria’s youthful population, stressing that the country possesses one of the largest youth demographics in the world. According to him, when properly empowered with the right skills, opportunities, and support systems, young people can become drivers of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
Prof. Kumar explained that unemployment among youths should not automatically be interpreted as idleness or incapacity, but rather as a signal that existing economic and institutional systems are not effectively harnessing the potential of young people. He noted that many unemployed youths possess talents, creativity, and digital skills that can transform industries and create new economic opportunities if properly supported.
He further urged government institutions, private sector leaders, and development partners to invest more deliberately in youth empowerment, technology-driven skills, entrepreneurship development, and innovation ecosystems that allow young people to turn ideas into sustainable enterprises.
The professor also encouraged unemployed youths themselves to see their current situation as a phase of preparation rather than limitation, emphasizing that resilience, continuous learning, and entrepreneurial thinking are key factors that can position young people for future success.
Participants at the event described the keynote lecture as highly inspiring and motivational, as it shifted the narrative from viewing unemployment solely as a crisis to recognizing the vast opportunities that can emerge when the potential of young people is harnessed.
Speaking after the keynote session, the National President of SWUYN, Comr. Preye V. Tambou, expressed appreciation to Prof. Kumar for delivering what he described as a visionary message of hope and empowerment to thousands of young Nigerians participating in the anniversary programme.
He reaffirmed that the mission of SWUYN remains focused on transforming unemployed youths into empowered citizens through advocacy, training, mentorship, and policy engagement.
The SWUYN@10 Anniversary and National Unemployed Youths Day, themed “From Unemployment to Employment,” continues with various skills development sessions, panel discussions, and youth empowerment programmes designed to equip participants with practical tools for economic independence and leadership.
The event has attracted participants from across Nigeria, including youth leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations, and development partners committed to addressing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive national development.
