Tag: Nigerian youth

• By Ibrahim Mohammed

Sir: For decades, political leaders in Nigeria have always been mouthing the platitudes that the youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow. For the youths, the question on their lips is when will tomorrow ever come for them to take their rightful place? They could be right in their frustration as the so-called leaders of today are perpetually holding on tight to their position not willing to relinquish it for the leaders of tomorrow.

Some of the present leaders who were educated through government scholarships were already occupying positions of authority when they were still in their 20’s. As they retire from choice jobs in the civil service or the private sector in their 50’s, they moved over to the political arena where they preside over the sharing of largesse either as elected or appointed office holders or party apparatchik while still enjoying their pension benefits.

The Nigerian elites, whether in the military, the academia, the civil service, the clergy or the corporate world, believe in sit-tightism never willing to call it quits even when their age disagrees with them. Their lust for lucre knows no bounds as they keep accumulating ill-gotten wealth which they and their next generations could not finish in a lifetime. They keep recycling themselves either as their excellences, distinguished, honourables, chairmen, executive directors or members of juicy government ministries, departments and agencies as well as serving on the boards of blue-chip companies where they continue to draw huge salaries and allowances in addition to their pension benefits.

Some of these members of the spoilt class have occupied several positions in their life time which closed doors to upcoming generations who wait for eternity for their turn to join the fray. They don’t even allow their wards to join service preferring to give them pocket money probably up to ten times what they could have been earning as salaries on a paid job. This is in addition to sponsored holidays in any country of their choice.

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It is a well-known fact that some retired public office holders like federal permanent secretaries and Generals normally retire with their full salaries and allowances as pension. When they get elected or appointed into any public or political office, they begin to collect fresh salaries and allowances even while they continue to enjoy same as pension benefits. Those who are elected as governors would additionally prepare another salacious package for life even when some of them automatically move to the Senate at the completion of two terms where they become distinguished senators for life. Life is really good for this special breed of citizens as they gallivant from one lucrative position to another on a roller coaster from director/permanent secretary or general to a ministerial position, then governor and senator for life.     

While remaining perpetually in power, thus mortgaging the future of our youth including their wards, the political leaders who gleefully superintend the sharing of the national cake knowingly or unknowingly contribute to the birth of misbegotten citizens in form of societal malcontents- kidnappers, cattle rustlers, armed robbers, vandals, Cultists, yahoo boys, militants, insurgents and a host of other undesirable elements.

What Nigerians need at this critical time is a change of mind-set with comprehensive, serious, and meaningful reorientation of those in leadership positions and the citizens. To this end, there is need for a complete shift from the prevailing mind-set of transactional leadership to transformational leadership. The nation needs leaders who see leadership as a sacrificial endeavour, an opportunity to mentor the next generation of leaders, leave an enduring legacy and quit the stage when the ovation is loudest.

•Ibrahim Mohammed,

Garki-Abuja.

Sir: In a historic move that underscores the federal government’s commitment to the young people, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Planning Committee for the National Youth Conference, setting a new impetus for the country’s future.

I am inspired by the president’s visionary leadership and the opportunities this initiative presents for young Nigerians.

The president’s address at the inauguration highlighted a pivotal truth: the prosperity of our nation rests significantly on the shoulders of our youth. As more than 60% of our population, young Nigerians should not be mere onlookers in affairs of the country but should be drivers of progress. The ongoing economic reforms championed by President Bola Tinubu aim to create a robust economy, where opportunities abound for every young mind willing to innovate and work hard.

One of the critical issues addressed by the president is the reverse in human capital flight. It is evident that by building an economy that offers prosperity and empowerment at home, we can dissuade our professionals from seeking greener pastures abroad. The commitment to strengthen the economy through bottom-up policies reflects the administration’s determination to make Nigeria a land of opportunity for its youth.

President Tinubu’s promise to implement the outcomes of the National Youth Conference is a testament to his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance. This initiative is not just about dialogue but about actionable change. Youth are encouraged to express their ideas frankly, knowing that their perspectives will shape the policies that guide our nation’s development.

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It is encouraging to observe the tangible signs of economic stabilization under the current administration. The falling prices of goods and a stable exchange rate signal the beginning of a prosperous journey. This newfound economic resilience is already drawing investors’ interest, paving the way for technological advancement and innovation.

The conference will examine vital areas such as political governance, economic transformation, and skills development, including fields like Artificial Intelligence and climate resilience. These are essential components in ensuring our youth are equipped to constructively contribute to global discourse and local transformation.

As we embark on this journey, it is crucial to recognize that the success of these initiatives hinges on our collective action. The administration has demonstrated its commitment through tangible projects and support systems, such as the student loan schemes and infrastructure development. However, it is up to us, as Nigerian youth, to seize these opportunities and translate them into sustainable growth for our communities and nation.

President Tinubu’s message was clear: the future of Nigeria is in the hands of its youth. We stand at the cusp of significant change, and I urge every young Nigerian to engage wholeheartedly with this process. This is our moment to make history, to transform challenges into opportunities and aspirations into reality. Let us take up this mantle with determination, knowing that together, we can build a prosperous, inclusive, and vibrant Nigeria.

•Dare Ojepe Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement, Abuja.

Sir: I’m a Nigerian youth, and like many aggrieved others, deeply frustrated by the failures of our leaders from 1960 till date. I’ve watched my country, blessed with resources and potential, run aground by a system that thrives on corruption, incompetence, and impunity. I’ve seen how those in power manipulate the system to enrich themselves while the masses struggle with unemployment, insecurity, and a regular failing economy.

Yet, despite my bitterness toward bad governance, I’ve also learned that leadership is not just about complaining or shouting from the rooftops. It’s about responsibility, strategy, and discipline. Criticizing the government is not a crime, but there is a way to do it effectively. Unfortunately, many young Nigerians have confused activism with reckless behaviour, believing that hurling insults at leaders is the same as demanding accountability.

The question is no longer whether Nigerian youths deserve a chance to lead. The real question is: Are we ready?

Imagine wasting months of your life in prison, not for fighting against oppression or advocating for change, but because you called someone a derogatory name on social media. Many of these young people seem unaware of the power of communication. They fail to realize that activism is not about who can insult the most but about who can articulate their demands in a way that commands respect and forces change.

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The recent controversy surrounding TikToker Olumide ‘Sea King’ Ogunsanwo is a perfect example of this issue. Sea King was arrested and rearrested over allegations of cyberbullying against Pastor Enoch Adeboye and for previous videos where he allegedly insulted President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

While one could argue about free speech and the excesses of the government in clamping down on dissent, it’s also important to examine the approach many young people take when engaging in national issues. Sea King’s case is not about political activism; it’s about a young man who believed that insulting public figures on social media was a legitimate way to engage in governance discourse.

Today, many so-called influencers, “activists” and social commentators have made a career out of peddling false narratives and stirring unnecessary controversies. Instead of educating the youth on governance, policy, and leadership, they encourage them to see everything through the lens of tribalism, sensationalism, and personal attacks.

History offers a stark contrast between past and present generations of young leaders. Many of Nigeria’s founding fathers assumed leadership in their youth, but they did so with discipline, intelligence, and a clear vision for the nation.

Yakubu Gowon became Nigeria’s Head of State at 31 during a time of crisis, handling a civil war with diplomacy and military strategy. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo were already shaping Nigeria’s political landscape in their late 20s and early 30s through intellectual discourse and political organization. Anthony Enahoro moved a motion for Nigeria’s independence at just 30 years old, not by making derogatory statements but by engaging in national discourse with wisdom and purpose.

These leaders were not perfect, but they understood that leadership required more than just outrage; it required strategy, tact, and responsibility. If today’s youth truly want to take over Nigeria, they must adopt the same approach.

No serious country hands over power to people who have not proven their capacity to handle it. The older generation did not just wake up and assume leadership; they fought for it through education, political engagement, and well-thought-out strategies. In contrast, many young Nigerians today think leadership is about X rants, TikTok insults, and reactionary activism.

One of the biggest problems with Nigerian youths is that even those we consider potential leaders are falling daily, compromising their values once they get a taste of power. We have seen young activists who built their reputations on criticizing the government suddenly switch sides when given appointments.

If we cannot even trust our own generation to remain steadfast, how can we trust them with leadership? This is why it is important to question the motives behind people’s criticism. Are they truly fighting for change, or are they just positioning themselves for political favour?

If Nigerian youth truly want to lead, they must start by proving they are worthy of leadership. Waking up to insult elders is not leadership. Recklessly posting defamatory statements online is not activism. If we want power, we must earn it the right way.

•Ogungbile Emmanuel Oludotun,thedreamchaser65@gmail.com