Abuja, September 13, 2025 – Newly elected President of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Annum Jethro Terhile, has vowed to tackle youth unemployment and underemployment head-on, promising a wave of initiatives designed to unlock opportunities for young Nigerians.
Delivering his acceptance speech shortly after his emergence on Saturday, Terhile described his election as “not just a position but a call to action, a mandate to serve, and a responsibility to amplify the voices of millions of Nigerian youths.”
He expressed gratitude to members of the Congress, his family, and supporters, while acknowledging the resilience and potential of Nigerian youths despite mounting challenges.
“The Nigerian youth are the heartbeat of this nation—dynamic, innovative, and brimming with potential. Yet, we face unemployment, underemployment, and limited opportunities,” Terhile said.
Citing recent data from Trading Economics, the NYC President noted that while youth unemployment had marginally dropped from 8.00 per cent to 7.50 per cent, the rate remained unacceptable. He added that youth underemployment, which stood at over 10 per cent, posed an equally grave challenge to national development.
He warned that “an unempowered youth is not only a minus but a danger and threat to the country,” stressing that urgent interventions were required.
Outlining his agenda, Terhile pledged to collaborate with government at all levels, the private sector, and international development partners to roll out programs spanning vocational training, entrepreneurship hubs, technology innovation labs, and agricultural empowerment projects.
According to him, the goal is not only to create jobs but to nurture job creators.
“Our programs will not only create jobs but also nurture creators of jobs—because the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth,” he declared.
The NYC President assured that the Congress would remain inclusive, ensuring every youth, regardless of tribe or religion, would be carried along.
Terhile further extended a hand of collaboration to stakeholders, urging unity in building a Nigeria where young people are adequately equipped with tools to succeed.
He concluded: “As I step into this role, I carry the weight of your trust and the fire of your dreams. Let us march forward together with courage, unity, and determination to build a Nigeria that reflects the brilliance of its youth.”
