The place of youths, the largest fraction of the Nigerian population, in terms of economic growth and development of Nigeria can not be brushed aside. This is not far fetched as youths of Nigeria are the major driving force of the Nigerian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which has in no little measure contributed to the GDP of our dear country.
It is however sad that a very little fraction of the youths are found in the corridors of power. In addition, these youths are in most cases sidelined by their leaders in making critical decisions for the country.
Although, responsibilities found worthy for the vast number of tech savvy, smart, focused, innovative and purpose driven youths of Nigeria by their leaders are roles such as Personal Assistants, Special Assistants, Social Media Influencers, Political Group Leaders, Body Guards/ Thugs to mention a few, they are almost never found on decision making tables which is unacceptable.
The roles given by these leaders may not be far from reasons why the #Endsars recent protests eclipsed the country. Although, the globally recognized protests began with the endsars hashtag on social media platforms, it is obvious that it was more of a reality check on the part of Nigerian leaders to have a rethink and change the status quo in governance.
The agitation of the Nigerian youth was however well captured in the welcome address delivered on behalf of the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos, Comrade Biliamin Olalekan Oba. Ably represented by the trail blazing ex Chairman of NYCN Epe Local Council, Comrade Giwa Moshood Olasupo, he pleaded with Nigerian leaders to give vibrant youths the opportunity to serve. He lammented the turtous journey he had from Ikorodu to Epe, noting that such travel experience was not in tandem with the Nigeria of his dreams.
While he boasted on the competence of Nigerian youths but characterised with inadequate enabling environment to thrive, he also acknowledged the highs and lows experienced during the Endsarsnow protests, noting that it won't end there as changes in strategy and approach are being considered.
" To start with, I apologize for coming late to this event and if you know me very well, it is not in my character to come late to events. You will agree with me that our bad roads, though being reconstructed, makes travel time difficult and unsavory. The Nigeria of our dream is not that of bad roads, bad governance, police brutality, untold hardship and sufferings and also dwindling future of youths.
" I want to use this medium to plead with our leaders to give us the chance to serve. If provided with adequate enabling environment to serve, Nigerian youths are competent, resourceful and will deliver based on the agenda of any government.
I want to admonish us not to relent in our efforts to end bad governance and the only way to change the narrative is by wisely using our PVC during elections so as to vote the right and competent candidate. Endsarsnow protests does not end there. We have identified our shortcomings and we are going back to the drawing board to restrategize".
In a bid to facilitate a seamless registration and collection of PVC, he hinted that the NYCN is working assiduosly on youth voter's registration across all wards in the state. Waving his PVC to participants, he said the exercise will eable youths to speak with their votes.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. says "One of the great liabilities of history is that all too many people fail to remain awake through great periods of social change. Every society has its protectors of status quo and its fraternities of the indifferent who are notorious for sleeping through revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change."
The qoute above sums up the resolve of Nigerian youths to call for a total change in the status quo. The reawakening of the Nigerian youth can not be brushed aside by any subvertive entity as it is obvious that they are vigillant and resolute to take the their destiny in their hands through the display of high sense of unity of purpose to face the challenge of change.
It will be recalled that there were reports that men of the Nigerian Army allegedly shot at protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate and took their bodies away. The unfortunate incident which occurred on 20th October 2020 after a declaration of curfew to stop the protests by Lagos State Government, was tagged "Lekkimassacre" and " Lekkigenocided" trended on micro blogging platform Twitter and other social media sources for days. The aftermath of the shootings, either genuine or counterfeit, created palpable tension and anarchy thereby leading to arson, needless and wanton destruction of lives and properties and looting across Lagos.
However, the veracity of the allegations are yet to be ascertained as the Judicial Panel of Enquiry set up by the Lagos State Government with youth representatives are still investigating the shootings. It is hoped that justice will be served equitably for the allegedly lost souls.
No comments:
Post a Comment