Ondo youths call for inclusion in health governance reforms

The call for greater youth inclusion in health governance reforms in Ondo State, as highlighted by The Punch, reflects a growing sentiment across Nigeria that young people must be active participants, not just passive recipients, in shaping the nation's future. The NextGen Health Governance Project, supported by the Nigeria Youth Future Fund, is a crucial initiative aiming to bridge the gap between youth potential and healthcare policy.

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We realised that youth involvement in health policies and decision-making is very low, largely because many young people are unaware of their rights, their impact, and the role they can play in the health system.

Project Lead Faysol Oluwakemi's observation that low youth participation stems from a lack of awareness about their rights and roles is a critical point. In Nigeria, where a significant portion of the population is young, this disconnect represents a missed opportunity to harness a powerful demographic for positive change. The energy, innovation, and technological know-how of Nigerian youth are precisely what the country needs to tackle its persistent healthcare challenges, from access to quality care to the effective management of public health crises.

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The energy, innovation, and technological know-how that we have in youths should be channelled towards impacting the health system positively. We must be part of decision-making and contribute ideas that will strengthen the sector.

Adeola Joshua, National President of the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists Forum, powerfully articulates the shift in perspective: "We are not the leaders of tomorrow anymore—we are the leaders of today." This statement encapsulates the urgency felt by many young Nigerians who are eager to contribute meaningfully and are impatient with traditional, top-down approaches to governance. The emphasis on providing practical solutions rather than mere criticism is a call to action that resonates with a generation that has grown up in an era of rapid technological advancement and global connectivity.

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You can’t decide for a community what it lacks without engaging them. Communities understand their healthcare needs, especially at the primary healthcare level. Youth inclusion can make a significant difference because young people are deeply connected to their communities.

From a Nigerian perspective, this push for youth inclusion is not just about representation; it's about leveraging a demographic dividend. The article implicitly argues that inclusive governance, especially at the primary healthcare level where communities understand their needs best, is essential for systemic improvements. The Punch's reporting on this initiative underscores the vital role young Nigerians can play in driving innovation and advocacy within the health sector, moving beyond complaints to constructive engagement.

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If there will be real impact in governance, youths must be involved. We are not the leaders of tomorrow anymore—we are the leaders of today.