Unemployment Effects On Africa, Youth And Economy.

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Unemployment is a disturbing issue in many parts of Africa, including Nigeria. It poses significant social consequences and challenges for the youth and economy. This article will analyzed and focus on Nigeria's unemployment situation, its impact on the youth and the economy, and suggest potential solutions for the way forward. Therefore for us to proceed forward, let's understand what is 'unemployment' and 'employment, firstly 'unemployment'.

Meaning Of 'unemployment'

Arises when somebody is willing and able to work but does not have, or secured a paid job. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labour force who are unemployed. Consequently, measuring the unemployment rate requires identifying who is in the labour force, and that's where the Youth comes, in this article.

Biblically the Youth is defined as “the appearance, freshness, vigor, spirit. The above definition showcases the characteristic of one who is young”. Biblically, God often used young people to do great things, and United Nation defines ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, though there is no general agreement of the Youth age bracket or group, for statistical purposes. Cambridge Dictionary, defines it as the period of your life when you are young, or the state of being young, but in this topic of 'discussion', of 'unemployment' or 'employment', its surpassed the youth age bracket or group, because of the definition of the unemployments in the above passage, when somebody is willing and able to work but does not have, or secured a paid job.

Meaning Of 'employment

Oxford Dictionary: Service performed for pay or wages under a contract of hire. 2 The number of people in an economy who provide services for pay under a contract (this includes both full-time and part-time workers in private, public, non-profit, and household sectors), as well as the self-employed. Long Man Dictionary says that it is "the condition of having a paid job.

Why We Need Employment

Work helps you gain a sense of pride and self-satisfaction by reaffirming that you can support yourself. With work, you earn money to cover bills and pay for activities in your leisure time, and least to able to maintain the basic needs of life

Benefits Of Balanced Employment, In A System

Enhanced Social Order

The Social order of a society, is how institutions, groups, and values work's, synergised to keep a society stable and in order. The term refers to how all societal components work together to move forward rather than fall apart

Emergence Of Social Order

Studies of culture and individuality indicate that social order is not given but emerges from the historically developed society ideas, beliefs, and systems of conduct and of feeling which each culture has evolved as the guides to human behavior's and the management of group activities.

(C). Presence Of Order

"when individuals agree to a shared social contract that states that certain rules and laws must be abided and certain standards, values, and norms maintained

1. Unemployment in Nigeria:

Nigeria faces high levels of unemployment, with a particularly detrimental impact on the youth demographic. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's unemployment rate reached 33.3% in the fourth quarter of 2020, with the youth unemployment rate at a staggering 42.5%. This highlights a significant challenge in providing adequate employment opportunities for the burgeoning young population.

2. Communal Consequences:

a) Increased Poverty: Unemployment exacerbates poverty levels, as individuals and families struggle to meet their basic needs, leading to a higher risk of social unrest and crime.

b) Brain Drain: The lack of employment opportunities pushes skilled individuals to seek better prospects abroad, resulting in a loss of talent and intellectual capital for Nigeria.

c) Communal Inequality: Unemployment perpetuates social inequality, as those without access to employment opportunities are denied upward mobility and equal chances to prosper.

3. Impact on the Youth:

a) Diminished Opportunities: High youth unemployment limits access to education, training, and skill development, hindering their prospects for a better future.

b) communal Unrest: Frustration among unemployed youth can contribute to social unrest, political instability, and an increased likelihood of engaging in illegal activities.

c) Emotional and Mental Health: Prolonged unemployment affects the mental and emotional well-being of young individuals, leading to increased depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

4. Economic Consequences:

a) Slow Economic Growth: High unemployment hampers economic growth as a significant portion of the workforce remains unutilized, resulting in decreased productivity and reduced consumption.

b) Lack of Innovation: Without gainful employment, entrepreneurial talents and innovative ideas remain untapped, depriving the economy of potential growth opportunities.

c) Increased Dependency: High unemployment rates increase dependency on state welfare expenditures and strain public finances, limiting government investments in critical sectors.

5. Potential Solutions:

a) Education and Skills Development: Addressing gaps in education and skill development is crucial. Vocational training programs should align with market demands, producing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of industries.

b) Entrepreneurship Support: Encouraging entrepreneurial ventures through access to capital, mentorship programs, and regulatory ease can lead to job creation and economic growth.

c) Diversification of the Economy: Reducing reliance on oil and promoting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and technology can generate employment opportunities.

d) Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations can facilitate investment in job-creating sectors and foster economic growth.

e) Policy Reforms: Enhancing the business environment, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and improving infrastructure can attract foreign direct investment and stimulate job creation.

In conclusion, high unemployment rates in Nigeria and Africa as a whole have severe social and economic consequences, particularly impacting the youth. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including education and skills development, support for entrepreneurship, diversification of the economy, and policy reforms. By implementing these solutions, Nigeria can pave the way for a more inclusive prospective future