… Unemployment Among Youths, a ticking time bomb
By CSN Media
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for urgent reforms in the country’s correctional centers, citing deplorable conditions and human rights abuses.
In his address at the 2025 First Plenary Meeting of the CBCN, the President of the Conference, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, emphasized the need for improved living conditions, medical care, and rehabilitation programs for inmates.
“The situation in our federal correctional centres has remained largely deplorable and inhuman,” Archbishop Ugorji said. “Inmates are thrown into overcrowded, squalid and unhealthy cells, with essential amenities such as food, potable water an
The Prelate also expressed concern over the high number of inmates awaiting trial, with some suspects staying in facilities for years without being sentenced. He called for the expedited dispensation of justice and the decongestion of correctional centers through parole and rehabilitation programs.
“We must uphold the fundamental rights of inmates, treat them with dignity, and ensure that they are not subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment,” Archbishop Ugorji said. “This is a matter of human dignity and justice.”
The CBCN President also highlighted the need for good governance, transparency, and accountability in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and corruption.
“We must work together to create a new Nigeria, where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected and protected,” Archbishop Ugorji said. “This requires a commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, as well as a willingness to challenge the status quo and push for meaningful change.”
The CBCN President also emphasized the need for civic education and social teaching to empower citizens and promote good governance. He called on Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders and to exercise their franchise during elections.
Furthermore, Archbishop Ugorji stressed the importance of addressing youth unemployment, describing it as a “ticking time bomb” that threatens the country’s stability. “Unemployment among youths is a major concern, with 53% of youths unemployed, making Nigeria second to South Africa,” he said. “If we do not create opportunities for our youths, they may become easy prey for radicalization and recruitment by armed and terrorist gangs.”
The 2025 First Plenary Meeting of the CBCN is with the themed “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria.” The meeting aims to address pressing ecclesial concerns, national issues, including insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship, and to promote hope and resilience among Nigerians.
