Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has said that many Nigerian youths cannot even think about marriage because they are jobless and face severe economic hardship. The cleric made this statement during a radio interview, highlighting the struggles young Nigerians face in securing stable livelihoods.
Unemployment blocks marriage plans
According to Onaiyekan, marriage requires a level of stability and responsibility, but many young people are unable to take such a major life decision due to unemployment and financial uncertainty. He noted that the lack of jobs has made it nearly impossible for youths to plan for the future, including starting families.
The cardinal's comments come amid growing concerns over youth unemployment in Nigeria, which has one of Africa's largest youth populations. Many young people continue to face challenges transitioning from education into employment, with limited job opportunities and rising living costs affecting their ability to achieve financial security.
Youths eager to work but lack opportunities
Onaiyekan has repeatedly spoken about the frustrations of Nigerian youths, saying many are eager to work but are held back by limited opportunities. He warned that the lack of jobs and opportunities is contributing to increased migration, as young Nigerians search for better prospects abroad.
In an earlier interview, the cardinal said many young Nigerians who leave the country are driven by the feeling that they cannot build a future at home because they lack opportunities to earn a living, support themselves or establish families.
Criticism of leaders and call for action
The cleric has also criticised leaders for failing to adequately address the challenges facing young people, urging greater investment in employment opportunities and youth development. His latest comments have sparked conversations around how economic pressures are influencing personal decisions among young Nigerians, including marriage, housing and family planning.
Nigeria's youth unemployment rate remains a pressing issue, with many graduates unable to find work. The cardinal's remarks highlight the deep-seated economic challenges that continue to affect the country's young population.
