By Ibiyemi Mathew
Youths are the foundation of a society. In their dreams and hopes, a nation founds her motivation; on their energies, she builds her vitality and purpose. And because of their dreams and aspirations, the future of a nation is assured,” — National Youths Development Policy says.
As Nigeria clocks 62 years today, these are words to deliberate upon. When Nigeria gained independence from the British colonial government in 1960, I can picture joy in the faces of many Nigerians who were alive to witness the celebration. I can also envision that there were great expectations heralding the event.
The founding fathers were people of great ambition and they were willing to go far to achieve these ambitions. This is not to excuse the fact that they had also had their flaws and selfish ambitions. We cannot, however, throwaway the baby with the bath water.
It is noteworthy that they were all in their youth when they led the struggle to secure independence from the British colonial masters. This nation was founded on the labour of young persons.
62 years later, however, can we say this is the nation the founding fathers envisioned? What we see now are leaders who want to consolidate for themselves power for their selfish gain. Nigeria in its current state can be likened to a nation who goes in and out of the hospital for multiple infirmities which could have been avoided if precautionary measures had been taken.
Plagued by high inflation rates, insecurity and downcast economic realities, the country’s sickening situation has cast a shadow for its future.
However, this future can receive a big ray of hope if the youths play their roles effectively. If anything, it is clear that the youths of Nigeria are tired of the failing system and how the government is being run by the old power blocs that has been described as a “Wasted Generation” by Wole Soyinka (1986).
With over 60% of the population comprising people between the age group of 18-35, according to the National Youth Policy, youths have an advantage over every other age group.
As the elections are fast approaching and campaigns are taking momentum, youths must take active roles in taking up developmental initiative roles and be active participants in the electioneering purpose.
Youths must take the front seat to rebuild the nation on all fronts devoid of selfish sentiments.
The biggest role youths would have to play amongst many other things that they are already doing is to be united in purpose. If there is anything history has taught us, it is nobody can stop young persons who are united and ambitious to actualise a change.
Youths divided amongst themselves cannot outdo the previous generation.