By Prisca Sam-Duru

NO doubt, the Nigerian youths are very busy but quite worrisome is the fact that most of them are busy with diverse forms of depravity that are inimical to their living quality lifestyle, and the development of the nation.

The youths to a large extent, are neglected and this has resulted in an increase in the rate at which they get involved in various crimes as wrong means of survival. Sadly, many end up in the throes of survival and subsequently, in an early and ignominious grave.

This situation sends a distress call to not just the government but parents/guardians, teachers and all concerned individuals to help address the issues undermining the usefulness of these young ones who are the future of the nation.

Sylvanus Imhontu a press staff under the Governor’s office,comrade Sotadeor George and the author

Interestingly, Dominic Odianose Matthew took the bold step last week when he presented a well thought out book that offers a practical guide on youth development, its challenges and diverse strategies to overcome them.

Odianose’s book titled, Practical Perspectives On Youth: Engagement and Mobilisation Strategy which was published by Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC in October, 2014, was   presented to the public last Wednesday at the Ladi Larwal NUJ Press Centre, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos.

Practical Perspective on Youth is made up of eight chapters that address issues of mobilising youth and directing them towards self and nation building. Also, the book covers social networking, civic duties and obligations to the state, youth and crime, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and how to become financially independent. For fact that the book was written from a background of research and experience by an author , a youth mobiliser himself, with invaluable experience of many years involvement in youth–based activities its facts, could be trusted.

The author, an active youth member of many volunteer organisations who has been involved in the organisation of youth programmes both within and outside the country disclosed that he decided to write on the subject so as to help empower the youth sector through capacity building and knowledge sharing.

He regretted that the youths are not listened to and issues affecting them are not given prompt attention until they begin to revolt against the status quo. The dearth of books in the youth sector he also noted, was another motivating factor to write the book. According to him, it will serve as a potent practical guide for youth, students of youth work and researches into youth affairs.

He expressed hope that the book and others to come will address some issues such as unemployment, youth statistics, youth mentoring project, leadership training justice etc, that lack proper policy framework for youth development to thrive.

Former Editor Headline News Daily Times of Nigeria , Mr Dele Odebiyi who commended the author for his honest concern for the welfare of youths, stated that the major problem with Nigeria is poor reading culture.

Social media

He said the author has taken time to write but the problem is who will read? Odeniyi lamented the negative effect of social media on the youthadding that “We must ensure that we help the youths learn to make reading a part of them even at a tender age. We have to go back to the good old days to curb the high level of emptiness in the youth.” He said.

Immediate past National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Deolu Sotade-George, commended the author for his efforts towards reviving reading attitude of youths. He regretted that the young ones have lost core values and so need to read the chapter that addresses mobilisation of youths so as to learn how they can stay away from societal ills.

The book he stated, is a priceless handbook that will encourage young minds to avoid violent activities during and after the forthcoming general elections in the country adding that it has capability to change people’s approach to tackling issues.