24th July, 2014
By Raymond Oise-Oghaede
There is this widely accepted saying that ‘‘the youths of today will grow up to become leaders of tomorrow’’. Be that as it may, there is no gainsaying the fact that the youths who constitute the majority in the Nigerian polity are unequivocally the most important human resource in the socio-political and economic development and or otherwise of the country. The upbringing we give to them will obviously determine the ways they will steer the ship of the nation in the nearest future. However, if we critically look at this issue, we will agree that their contributions in the affairs of our great country today will determine if there would still be a country called Nigeria for them to take over its governance tomorrow. In view of the aforementioned, there is every need to give our youths the best teachings, trainings and other societal benefits to make them responsible citizens.
Today, the situation in the country is very worrisome because of the rate of crimes and insecurity. This could be adduced to the fact that the majority of our youths are not gainfully employed. As the saying goes, ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’. As a result, there is an urgent expectations on the part of government to create jobs and put other developmental programmes in place to drastically reduce the suffering of the masses. Institutions of higher learning are producing graduates but, with the arbitrary age limits and or work experience set as standard requirements by majority of employers of labour coupled with scarcity of vacancies, it is obvious that a good number of our graduates will never be employed in this generation. One will then begin to wonder if it is reasonable for people to go to school in the first place. In a situation like this, what would you expect from people in this category when they receive the news of missing billions of dollars or when it is alleged that some office holders are spending so much and engaging in other extravagant ways of life? Thus, it is very pertinent for our leaders to show more sense of responsibility by curbing these excesses and putting concrete programmes in place to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
The youths have engaged themselves in various crimes and vices such as armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings, trading innocent babies, street cultism, bombing and maiming of innocent citizens to mention but a few. In whichever way we look at the situation, it is obvious that the youths are aggrieved and disgruntled because our leaders have let them down. However, taking to crimes and all other vices is not the solution. It is based on this premise that I want to use this medium to appeal to our youths to desist from evil because they would rather compound the situation than solving them.
Nigerian youths should truly see themselves as leaders of tomorrow because whatever we sow today is what we shall reap tomorrow. Rather than engaging in all sorts of vices, we should start thinking of what to contribute towards rejuvenating our democracy and ensuring that the benefits are felt by all and sundry. If we agree that the youths constitute the majority of the country’s population, all is well and good. It means that our destinies are in our hands. If democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people, it means it is the government of the majority of the electorate. So, why can’t we use our numerical advantage to right the wrong? In view of this, I will enjoin the youths to shun all vices and come together to decide our future. Let us start by participating positively and actively in politics. Register your membership with any political party of your choice so that you will be eligible to nominate and be nominated for elective positions. Also, ensure that if you have attained the voting age, you should register with INEC so that you can vote and be voted for in future elections.
Unlike in the past where most people vote just to make up the number and or because of inducements from politicians, we should all have it at the back of our minds that our vote is our power that can make or break our future so we must use them wisely. Henceforth, voting should be based on conscience, principles and concrete developmental programmes that will assuage our suffering. If we continue to allow ourselves to be used for violence and other electoral malpractices, then, our relevance ceases as soon as we are paid for the dirty jobs. In this situation, it will be unjustifiable if we turn back to complain of misrule by our leaders. But, if we refused to yield to the advances of corrupt minded and unpatriotic politicians and decide to take our destinies in our hands by our positive and conscientious participation, the sky will be the limit for us in the nearest future.
Though lack of funds could pose an obstacle to participation of the majority of the youths in active politics, we can as well prove it to the world that money cannot buy our conscience and resolve to take our rightful place in governance. Billions of naira cannot thumbprint ballot papers; it is the electorate that will determine the outcome of any election. We can actually make their corruptly acquired money to be useless in their pockets if we uphold our new found convictions. Citizens of advanced democracies in the world cast their votes for conscience and principles and that is the reason they are better-off today.
I know it is easier said than done because our leaders have made hunger and sufferings part of us so that they can easily influence us with money to do their bidding but, if we resolve to put a permanent stop to all these sufferings then, we should be prepared and able to say ‘NO’ to their manoeuverings. It is high time youths shunned crimes and negative manipulations by politicians and leaders.
Let us reflect on the pre-independence era and appraise the activities of the youths like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mallam Aminu Kano, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Alvan Ikoku, Michael Imoudu and Chief S.L. Akintola. These selfless Nigerians laboured day and night to ensure that the country attained independence and how they suffered to ensure its unity and stability. If they could stick out their necks to fight through thick and thin to lay the foundation of their father’s land, there is no reason whatsoever, why the youths of today should not come together to sustain the legacies and even ameliorate the situation. Of course, we can do it and that is what should be our mindset going forward. Thus, all our efforts should be focused on how we can positively contribute our quotas to the development of the polity by desisting from crimes and embracing constructive thinking and practices.
In as much as this review places so much emphasis on the youths, it is not to say that they should isolate themselves from older politicians. We can actually join forces with those that are patriotic and show good intentions toward alleviating the suffering of the masses. However, our voices must be heard and our impact must be felt in the day to day running of the affairs that will positively affect our lives and that of our dependants. What we are saying differently is that we have the numerical advantage and should be able to decide those to be voted into power on a one-man, one-vote basis.
Let me draw the attention of the youths to the provisions as entrenched in the country’s constitution which specifies that the voting age is 18 years. In view of this provision, youths below the voting age should please wait for the right time. Also, even if you are 18 years and above and you have not been previously registered to participate, please wait for the next opportunity to do so during the update of voters register by INEC. Do not allow yourselves to be used for electoral malpractices in any form. Posterity will not forgive us if we partake in any way to derail our democracy.
All well meaning Nigerians should translate/transmit this message of goodwill to the people through the easiest possible means and in the languages that will be most suitably understood because sadly enough, most of our youths cannot read or even afford to buy newspapers.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live the Nigerian Youths!!
Long live all well meaning and patriotic Nigerians!!!
•Oise-Oghaede is a political and public policy commentator. •E-mail: [email protected]