The National Orientation Agency on Wednesday estimated that at least 70 per cent of the country’s youthful population is currently unemployed.

The statement was made by the agency’s State Director, Richard Abimiku, at a one-day national youth summit held in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

According to Daily Trust, Abimiku hinged his statistics on the estimated population of youths, which is put at 80 million.

“It will interest you to know that Nigeria has a youthful population of about 80 million, which is about 60 per cent of its entire population.

“Although about 70 per cent of the 80 million are unemployed, it is no doubt that the most productive years of an individual’s life are when he/she is still a youth,” he said.

The NOA State Director further remarked that the development of any country hinges on the productivity of the persons within the age bracket of youths.

He also stressed that youths are the driving force of growth and development because they provide the labour force for the production of goods and services.

“While acknowledging the efforts of some youth in a various professional field like sports, academic, ICT and entrepreneurship among others, it is important to keep youth on their toes, helping them to think and act positively despite the challenges,” he stated.