The paper highlights five basic age groupings (with varying levels of cognitive development)
found in every healthy human population, namely; infancy, adolescence, adulthood, middle age
and old age; and describes Nigeria as a country with an expansive population profile. The paper
discusses the conflicting characteristics of youths who are in the majority in Nigeria, and
stresses the need and ways to nurture (educate) and empower them to apply their skills and
intellect for sustainable community and rural development in Nigeria.