The #EndSARS protests will go down in history as the first deliberate action by the youth of Nigeria to cause a major change in government policy or decision through organized, sustained and non violent means.
Forget about the reactionary views linking the protesters to arson, destruction of public and private property, and looting. The whole world knows the truth, and all the antics sold to the gullible citizens will not change the narrative.
As a mentor for the youth, I share in their pains of being pushed to the sideline, consigned to the rubbish bin of history as those who cane, saw and watched instead of taking centre position to change things for the better. The axiom “Youth are the leaders of tomorrow” has inflicted an incalculable damage to the mindset of youth in Nigeria, to the effect that they have been hypnotized to believe they have no role to play in decision making process until the older generations have passed on.
But is it really true? Why did people like Yusufu Maitama Sule played a central role as ministers under their seniors like Sir Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa. Why did the Zik of Africa and Pa Awo took the centre stage of national and regional politics of our country in their mid thirties? Why didn’t they wait for theie time if there was anything like that?
I commend the Nigerian youth for their rage to see a better Nigeria which culminated into the #EndSARS protests. For the momentum to be sustained up till 2023, I wish to recommend as follows:
- The change should start with you – consider every youth regardless of religious, ethnic or tribal differences as your fellow comrade who desires better change.
- Look around your communities and ask yourself these questions:
i) what makes me angry?
ii) what makes me cry?
iii) what kind of change do I want to see?
iv) what do I enjoy doing that can benefit others in my community?
Based on the answers you give to these questions, what projects or activities can you take part in to satisfy one of those feelings.
If you cannot find answers, do read newspapers, listen to television programs where issues are discussed, interact with other people with special knowledge, search the internet for solutions.
You can also make a list of some of the issues in our society that need attention, and ask your peers, friends and neighbours to join you in finding solutions to them. These issues may include:
Alcohol abuse, drug abuse, child abuse, prostitution, malaria, malnutrition, maternal and infant mortality, pollution, open defecation, teenage pregnancy, girl child education, adult illiteracy, unemployment, school drop out, poverty, human rights abuse, rape etc.
As 2023 approaches, I urge the Nigerian youth to start the process of recruiting their fellow youth who have the capacity, maturity, and vision to be the next president of Nigeria. They can recruit people from every geopolitical zone and then do a screening to pick the top 3 that will run for primaries under a Youth Party.
With their population, energy, and networks, the youth can raise enough fund to register a political party, establish offices in the 36 states and FCT to run a very elaborate, focused, and innovative campaigns across Nigeria that will give them victory. The earlier they start the process, the better. I’m a firm believer in the youth being capable to provide better leadership for Nigeria if they organise well and take action on their plans.
