There is a popular saying that youths are the leaders of tomorrow. For the average Nigerian youth, it has become mere words as they no longer believe that they have important roles to play in nation building.
At 57, most of the problems of the past still exist. The issue of epileptic power supply, high rate of unemployment and deplorable road conditions are to mention but a few.
There is a saying that an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Youth restiveness, according to many social commentators, is one of the main reasons why there is an increase in the spate of kidnappings and other crimes. For instance, when mischievous individuals want to commit electoral fraud, they make use of jobless youths.
Another instance is the on-going agitations in various parts of the country simultaneously. If the youths are gainfully employed, it would be difficult for anyone to manipulate the youth for their selfish reasons.
Has the government over the years failed in its duty to provide an enabling environment for the youth to thrive?
In this report, The Next Edition spoke with some youths to find out if they still have faith in Nigeria, despite some of these challenges.
Femi Fabumi, a Nigerian journalist and social commentator, was of the view that “Nigeria has not done enough for the youth.” He said he like many other Nigerians are patriotic and love their country, but the country does not reciprocate the love. “I am a patriotic Nigerian who loves his country. Does my country love me in return? What plans does this country have for the so-called leaders of tomorrow? Just take a look around. Unemployed youths are everywhere.”
He was, however, optimistic that “things will get better with the right policies in place. For instance, this government can get better if they can implement some of their brilliant plans. But the problem is that their slow style is not helping matters,” he said.
Radio Kaduna’s On Air Personality, Zainab Yusuf, told The Next Edition that Nigeria is a difficult country for the youth to succeed due to lack of an enabling environment. She said “As a youth, Nigeria is not making it a bed of roses for us to succeed. Well, as the saying goes, in the midst of chaos lie opportunities. Hence, regardless of the situation, there are a lot of opportunities and gaps to fill and succeed.”
She continued “Nigeria has tried for the youth but it has not done enough. There is room for improvement though. As for patriotism, I am definitely patriotic. I have faith in my country because it is my motherland.”
Zainab was also optimistic that irrespective of the current situation, Nigeria is on the path to success. “Although we are not where we ought to be, I believe we are definitely moving forward in the right direction,” she added.
Chinwe Agbeze, an editorial staff at Business Day, in a similar vein complained of lack of basic amenities, which make it difficult to succeed in this country. Without mincing words, she said “To be candid, I have benefited nothing from Nigeria.”
When asked about changes she would like to see, she said, “My greatest worries are the epileptic power supply and bad roads. I hope something is done urgently about them. If not, we will remain where we are. With constant electricity and good roads across the country, in no time things will fall in place. I do have faith in this country but that faith is little.”
For Nurudeen Lawal a public affairs analysts and activist, the Nigerian youth must be carried along in the scheme of things if the country is to make quick progress. In a telephone chat with The Next Edition, he said, “Take a look at developed countries like China; the youth are the ones in charge of most of the industries, that’s why they are progressing.
“Youths are innovative and they bring fresh ideas. These ideas are welcomed by progressive governments like that of China. We have so many talented youths in Nigeria but they are in the wrong field. Just take a look at those ones doing cyber crime (yahoo yahoo). Are they not young men? If their skills are properly harnessed, wouldn’t they use it for the betterment of the country?” He queried.
On the political front which is one of the most important spheres, the constitution has been amended by federal lawmakers to reduce the age qualification for office of the President, Governor, and membership of the Senate, House of Representatives and state houses of assembly. With this development youths may be involved in the scheme of things in the nearest future.
