Nigeria as a state consists of many tribes, languages, cultures, religions, and ethnic differences but remains a single entity with a common name “Niger and Its Areas”
Our assumption about the Nigerian youth may debar us from certain truths we should know; facts that we should hold on what the youth exercise, as Nigeria may never witness the major change if care is not taken.
The United Nations has postulated that the people within the age range of 15-24 are the youths. But in some countries, like Nepal, the National Youth Council Act 2015 of the country has categorised people between ages of 16 to 40 as youths, in which I believe such age declaration is valid in Nigeria.
Before I go deeper, let me remind you of three Nigerian youths of the last century, focusing on their impacts and how unfulfilled we the youth of this century are. These people are;
1. General Yakubu Gowon. He became the Head of State at the age of 31.
He was born on October 19, 1934. Following the assassination of Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi, the second Nigerian president and the first military Head of State on July 29, 1966, Gowon took over.
2. General Murtala Muhammed. He became the fourth Head of State at the age of 37.
He was born on November 8, 1938. After criticising General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s leadership and serving as a federal commissioner under Gowon, he stepped into office on July 29, 1975.
General Muhammed was assassinated ten days after creating nine new states – Bauchi; Benue; Borno; Imo; Niger; Ogun; and Ondo. The creation occurred on February 3, 1976.
3. General Olusegun Obasanjo. He became Head of State at the age of 39. He was born on May 5, 1937. The Supreme Military Council appointed him as the Head of State on Feb 13, 1976.
Obasanjo is the first person to rule Nigeria as a military leader and a civilian president when he was 39 years old.
Even the incumbent President, General Muhammadu Buhari became Head of State at the age of 41. The question should be; is there no youth to take over?
The youth of the 20th century led in the 20th century, yet still leading the youth of 21st century. Is it not shameful enough? Anyone born in the late 20th century is entitled to the leadership of the 21st century in this decade.
The most active and reactive set of people in any society are the youth of any nation, but not in Nigeria in which the youth have been relegated to the backseat, and above 45 years of age takes over at the battlefield. Tell me how we will win?
The majority of problems in Nigeria are caused by selfish interest, tribalism, nepotism, lack of potential, lost priorities, indiscipline, and unpatriotic actions, behaviors on the side of everyone, in which both young and old are not excluded.
That youths have lost priorities and declare loyalty to a certain godfather would continue to punish our nation the more. The few youths who have the privilege to be in power as we speak lobbied for the post from a certain old power monger, who he can’t betray due to the oath and political tie they both share (young faces, with old thieves control). A regressive procession in a progressive presentation?
Let’s look at this, maybe we might be able to rethink and readdress ourselves.
Who are the bandits? The youths
Who are the insurgents? The youths
Who are the Internet scammers? The youths
Who are thieves? The youths
Who are killer herdsmen?
The youths
Who are any region militants? The youths
Who are political thugs? The youths
Who benefits from insurgencies? The old
Who is the controller of the militants and most protects? The old
Who is the godfather and backbone of thieves? The old
Who enjoys most of the stolen funds? The old
Who are the godfathers in politics? The old
And many more.
Now the question is, why will the youths risk their life, engage in all sorts of illegal acts to feeds the well-fed old and almost rotten minds? A change can begin with everyone.
The Role of the Youth in Nation Building
Our youth are agents of change; young people’s inclusion in the peace and security agenda and society more broadly, is key to building and sustaining peace. Their role in the workforce and economic development of our nation is critical as they represent, at any given moment, one-third of the workforce in our country. In these times of change and conflict, young people also have an important role in deterring and solving conflicts and are key constituents in ensuring the success of both peacekeeping and peace-building efforts.
In every society, youth are the key players for positive change, with their capacity as the youth everything is possible for society. The role they play is very significant because the future of every nation is determined by how it nurtures its youth as they are the future leaders. So the importance of the youth in society can never be overemphasised.
The youth is the building block of any nation. The development of a nation lies in the development and improvement of youths in the nation. Every developed and developing nations have been the result of constant involvement of the youths in such nations. Hence, the unavoidable roles of youth in nation building are:
1. Creation of jobs, thereby increases national wealth and economic prosperity, through entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.
2. Political stability of the nation lies in the hands of youth but in a democratic and peaceful display.
3. Agricultural sustainability and improvement with innovation and inventions, as young and agile minds.
4. Security of self and country as energetic ones, showcasing self strength and renewed mind in saving the nation from insecurities.
4. Unleashing new technology and science practices. Who else should be busy thinking of inventions and discoveries if not the youths?
5. Promoting love, perseverance, tolerance, unity, and progress of the nation through sports, cultures, and language.
We should note that the limitless, unpredictable, and timely activation of youth potentials can save our dear nation in times like these.
The renewed youths, with a renewed mind, and renewed potentials can revive Nigeria.
Now is the time for 21st-century youths to rule in the 21st century.
Dambatta, a journalist, columnist, and youth leader, can be reached via Facebook: Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta
