A country's real value lies not in its oil reserves or towering buildings, but in the uncharted possibilities of its young generation. W...
A country's real value lies not in its oil reserves or towering buildings, but in the uncharted possibilities of its young generation. When young people focus on constructing rather than pointing fingers, and on innovating rather than complaining, they shape the future they rightfully deserve.
The future of Nigeria rests heavily on the shoulders of its youth, though these shoulders bear an unusual burden. It's as if we're witnessing fire and ice at once—boundless talent battling intense frustration. Let's face it, this generation is at a critical yet unstable turning point. We are highly privileged, possessing the world's knowledge right in our hands, equipped with tools that our parents could only imagine. Yet, despite these advantages, we find ourselves facing a profound crisis of identity and purpose.
The bitter irony is that although young people constitute more than 60 percent of Nigeria's population, their influence in the government is almost nonexistent. Nigerian youth are continuously pushing limits in technology, entertainment, sports, and various social fields. Figures like Davido, Wizkid, and Burnaboy are gaining global recognition through their music, while Hilda Baci is making history through her culinary skills. Athletes such as Tobi Amusan, Asisat Oshoala, Victor Osimhen, and Anthony Joshua are proudly representing Nigeria on the international stage. Additionally, individuals like John Oseni, Sola Akinlade, and Ekwutosi Cynthia Okeh Nsukka are pioneering advancements in the tech sector, inspiring many Nigerian youths to pursue careers in technology. However, at the same time, many young people in Nigeria are turning to cybercrime, referring to it as "revenge" against a nation that has let them down or colonialism. They abandon their studies in pursuit of quick money that disappears just as fast. What they fail to realize is the immense potential we are losing—not only as individuals but as a country struggling for innovation and credibility.
The government needs to intervene not only through arrests but also by offering opportunities. Several of these young individuals resort to cybercrime due to financial hardship. Those who express regret and have potential should be guided and directed into technology programs that contribute to the country's development. The entertainment sector also has a significant responsibility. Songs that celebrate fraud or quick wealth must be examined closely. Music influences culture, and when crime becomes popular, morality is disregarded. Therefore, Nigeria's youth should stop endorsing songs that glorify wrongdoing. Although they may seem attractive, they damage the nation's reputation and undermine our values.
Then there's the issue of drug use; codeine, tramadol, and pills taken to silence the noise in their minds. This isn't merely a health emergency, but a desperate plea for assistance from a generation losing all hope. We must question what kind of future a nation can have when its most promising individuals are trying to escape their reality. The government needs to act quickly to tackle the rising problem of drug abuse among young people, which is frequently driven by depression and the unmanageable cost of living. For many young people, life has become more expensive than it's worth. Therapy and rehabilitation programs should be genuinely accessible, not just privileges for the wealthy. Every young person should be able to enter a center, talk to a professional, and receive support without worrying about the financial burden.
Enough has been discussed regarding the government's role. As young people, we cannot continue to express our aspirations on social media and in private meetings, claiming to be the future of Nigeria, while daily, many youths leave the country at the first chance they get. The JAPA syndrome has become common, with Nigerians who are ridiculed domestically achieving great success overseas. This is a tragedy not only due to the loss of human resources but also the loss of trust. The system promised them hope, yet provided them with justifications. Therefore, they are departing, one after another, taking the nation's future with them.
The lingering question is straightforward: will the younger generation continue expressing their frustration through typing, or begin creating something fresh?
It's simple to generate social media outrage. True transformation is challenging, messy, and gradual, yet it's the only effective approach. For young Nigerians who desire a better nation, they must strive for it in boardrooms, local communities, and voting booths, rather than merely engaging in online discussions. The youth in Nigeria need to unite as one and take control of situations to achieve the change they seek. They can't remain on the sidelines, rejecting the ideas and efforts of those who are ready to bring about change.
The future of Nigeria will not be given to anyone. It will be constructed by those who are weary yet determined. The era of being passive observers has ended. For progress, the youth of Nigeria must take their place at the decision-making table. Constant criticism from the sidelines is no longer sufficient. We need to move away from the habit of supporting individuals solely based on their political affiliation and instead evaluate them based on their vision and objectives. The reality is that other countries cannot provide for all of us. Our only genuine choice is to get to work and transform our nation into a secure and appealing place for living, working, and investing.
Throughout the years, various policies have been implemented to motivate young Nigerians to participate actively in governance. One of the most notable is the Not Too Young To Run Act, which created opportunities for youth to run for elected positions and contribute meaningfully to the country's future. In addition, there are programs focused on preventing and addressing violent extremism, designed to involve young people in constructive and peaceful nation-building efforts.
Dear young people in Nigeria, we cannot keep hiding behind our devices, expressing anger on social media or sharing grievances about crime and questioning government efforts. Real change isn't achieved just by using hashtags. This nation is our tomorrow, and we can't keep expecting the government, elders, or local leaders to solve all our problems. LET'S MAKE A CHOICE TODAY TO CREATE A MORE PROSPEROUS NIGERIA.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
