INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2025: EMPOWERING NIGERIA’S FUTURE THROUGH COMPASSIONATE CONNECTIONS

By Susan Omenuko | 12 August 2025

Each year on 12 August, the world comes together to celebrate International Youth Day (IYD)—a day dedicated to recognising the challenges, opportunities, and limitless potential of young people. First declared by the United Nations in 1999, this annual observance calls for stronger youth participation in economic, political, and social life.

In 2025, this call to action feels especially urgent for Nigeria. With one of the largest youth populations in the world—over 60% under the age of 25 (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023)—we stand at a crossroads. Our young people carry within them the promise of innovation, leadership, and nation-building, yet they also face stark realities: rising unemployment, mental health pressures, limited mentorship, and the silent epidemic of social isolation.

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This Year’s Theme: Youth Empowerment for Peace and Sustainable Development

The 2025 theme aligns powerfully with EOON Care’s mission to build stronger, more compassionate communities. While EOON Care is well known for its elderly companionship and care servicesEOON CARE booklet DRAFT…, our vision extends across generations. Companionship is not an age-bound need—it is a human one. For many young Nigerians, the absence of meaningful connections can hinder personal growth, emotional stability, and resilience.

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Addressing Youth Isolation and Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and emotional burnout are increasingly common among Nigerian youths, often compounded by stigma and a lack of accessible support systems (World Health Organization, 2023). That’s why EOON Care is extending our companionship services to young adults, students, and job seekers—creating safe spaces for listening, encouragement, and mentorship.

Our structured companionship programmes—delivered in person or virtually—connect young people with supportive role models who guide them through educational challenges, career uncertainty, and personal transitions.

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Fostering Intergenerational Dialogue

One of EOON Care’s unique strengths lies in bridging generations. By connecting young people with compassionate adults and retirees, we exchange wisdom, skills, and life lessons that nurture mutual respect. This not only reduces loneliness but also strengthens social cohesion—an essential ingredient for peace and sustainable development.

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Creating Youth Employment Opportunities

Our commitment to youth empowerment goes beyond emotional support. EOON Care actively trains and hires young companions through our 17-module, UK Care Certificate–aligned caregiver programme Caregiver Induction Tra…. This equips participants with soft skills, emotional intelligence, and real-world work experience in a caring environment. By doing so, we contribute directly to reducing unemployment and preparing young people for active citizenship and economic participation.

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A Call to Action

As we mark International Youth Day 2025, we call on policymakers, NGOs, community leaders, and the private sector to prioritise youth-friendly services and partnerships. Together, we can create opportunities where every young person is valued, supported, and empowered to lead change—today, not just tomorrow.

Youth are not merely the leaders of the future—they are changemakers in the present. By investing in their mental, emotional, and social well-being through initiatives like EOON Care’s companionship programmes, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its young people and build a more united, compassionate, and sustainable society.

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References
National Bureau of Statistics (2023) Demographic Statistics Bulletin. Abuja: NBS.
United Nations (2024) International Youth Day. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day
World Health Organization (2023) Mental Health in Nigeria: Situation Analysis. Geneva: WHO.
EOON Care (2025) About Us. Available at: https://eooncare.com

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#InternationalYouthDay #IYD2025 #YouthEmpowerment #YouthForChange #Eooncare #CompanionshipMatters #MentalHealthSupport #CareWithCompassion #TogetherNotAlone