As the world comes together to commemorate United Nations International Youth Day (IYD) 2026, a momentous occasion dedicated to celebrating the potential and power of young people globally, prominent voices across nations are recognizing the indispensable role of youth in shaping a sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive future.
Observed annually on August 12, this year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” highlighting how young people’s local realities differ across the globe while their core hopes for dignity, education, meaningful opportunities, and sustainable futures remain universal. The 2026 observance places particular emphasis on young people in vulnerable regions, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It also draws attention to overlapping challenges such as climate vulnerability, geographic isolation, digital divides, and limited access to decent work. Against this backdrop, the theme calls for greater global solidarity and international cooperation to ensure that localized challenges do not limit opportunities for youth empowerment and development.
In line with this year’s theme, His Royal Highness Dr. Selky Kile Torughedi—the Eyewei (V) of Azzuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and the Ammananawei of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja—has issued a heartfelt call to Nigerian youths, particularly those from the Niger Delta region. He urged them to continue sustaining their peaceful and law-abiding disposition amid the ongoing socio-political and economic challenges facing the country.
HRH Dr. Torughedi acknowledged the patience, resilience, and sacrifices demonstrated by Nigerian youths, affirming that their commitment to peace and unity is a profound expression of patriotism. He expressed confidence that their sacrifices will be recognized and rewarded in due course. Furthermore, the monarch emphasized the urgent need for government authorities at all levels to intensify efforts to create enabling environments that provide meaningful opportunities for young people.
This includes supporting platforms where youths can showcase their talents, skills, and innovative ideas, as well as developing sustainable livelihood programmes that address unemployment, poverty, and economic disenfranchisement. He stressed that empowering young people is not merely a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future stability and prosperity. By harnessing the energy, creativity, innovation, and passion of the youth, the country can make significant strides toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering inclusive growth.
His Royal Highness further reiterated his commitment to advocating for youth development and peace in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria as campaigns for the 2027 General Elections intensify. He urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to nurture a generation of empowered, responsible, and visionary leaders while creating enabling environments that foster inclusive youth development. He highlighted the urgency of implementing sustainable livelihood programmes, expanding access to quality education and vocational training, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating platforms for young innovators to showcase their talents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Empowering our youth must move beyond rhetoric to action. It is both a moral responsibility and a strategic imperative. Our nation’s stability, growth, and global relevance depend on how well we harness the energy, creativity, and aspirations of our young people,” the monarch emphasized. He added that without deliberate investment in youth capacity building, education, employment, and civic engagement, Nigeria risks alienating its most dynamic demographic—a risk too great to ignore in a rapidly evolving world.
As a respected traditional ruler with a longstanding commitment to peacebuilding in the Niger Delta, HRH Dr. Torughedi reiterated his dedication to advocating for youth inclusion, security, and empowerment in the region. He praised Niger Delta youths for their commitment to nonviolence and for engaging in constructive efforts to uplift their communities despite decades of environmental degradation and underdevelopment.
He also urged them to continue serving as ambassadors of peace and progress, reminding them that their voices, when channeled constructively, can shape policies and transform futures. Concluding his address, HRH Dr. Torughedi made a passionate appeal to all stakeholders—government agencies, civil society, the private sector, traditional institutions, and international partners—to work collaboratively in building a future where Nigerian youths are empowered, respected, and heard. “The youth are not a problem to be solved; they are partners in progress. Let us all commit to nurturing a generation of bold, responsible, and visionary leaders who will take Nigeria to greater heights,” he said. As the world marks International Youth Day 2026, the message from HRH Dr. Selky Kile Torughedi stands as a compelling call to action
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