Nigeria is blessed with a wealth of young talent excelling in various fields, including Engineering, the Sciences, the Arts, Education, Commerce, Agriculture, Entertainment, Fashion, Banking, Entrepreneurship, E-commerce, and Divinity, to name a few. However, one area where this talent seems conspicuously absent is in Politics.
When I highlight an exception in politics, it’s with good reason. The few young individuals navigating the halls of power often find themselves sidelined, lacking genuine influence or insight into the pivotal decisions made behind closed doors.
Youths in positions such as governors, representatives, ministers, and senators often find themselves in roles more akin to subordinates than leaders, as the entrenched elite maintain a firm grip on power, dictating terms and offering little room for genuine participation or change.
The prevailing narrative suggests that Nigerian youth lack the maturity and experience necessary to manage a country as complex as Nigeria. This narrative is a deliberate form of manipulation by an older generation that seized power at a young age and has since shown little interest in passing the baton. Instead, they prefer to reserve positions of influence for their progeny, effectively sidelining a generation brimming with potential.
In contrast, countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and some African nations have embraced the contributions of young people in governance, with individuals as young as 21 taking up parliamentary roles. Yet, in Nigeria, the political landscape is rigged with barriers designed to keep young aspirants at bay, creating a stark contradiction where youths are deemed old enough to vote but not to lead.
This systemic disenfranchisement extends beyond mere age restrictions. It encompasses tactics such as ethnic and religious division, political violence, financial barriers, and outright intimidation, all designed to deter youth participation in politics.
Despite these challenges, the question remains: why can’t Nigerian youths employ the same strategic alliances and coalitions that have served the older political class so well? The time has come for Nigerian youth to transcend their role as pawns in a political game controlled by those with little interest in genuine progress or reform.
The solution lies in unity and strategic planning. If the vast majority of Nigerian youths, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, can rally under a common cause, they have the potential to enact real change.
It’s not just about coming together for the sake of unity; it’s about establishing a think tank dedicated to overcoming the barriers to political participation. It’s about convening a National Youth Conference to signal a new era of youth-led governance in Nigeria.
The potential for a new and prosperous Nigeria is within reach, should the youth choose to harness their collective power, creativity, and innovation. It’s time for a fresh approach to leadership that can move Nigeria beyond its current stagnation and into a future of prosperity and progress.
This is more than a rallying cry; it’s a strategic imperative for the youth of Nigeria to redefine their role in the political landscape. The challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities for transformative change. The youth must leverage their numerical strength, dynamism, and innovative spirit to overcome the entrenched barriers erected by the older political class.
The journey towards meaningful participation in governance requires more than just ambition; it demands a concerted effort to build capacity, foster unity, and articulate a clear vision for the future. Nigerian youths must be proactive in educating themselves on the intricacies of political processes, the importance of policy-making, and the power of collective action.
Engaging in grassroots mobilization, leveraging social media for awareness and advocacy, and establishing platforms for dialogue and collaboration are critical steps towards building a formidable youth movement. This movement should not only aim to challenge the status quo but also to propose viable alternatives that reflect the aspirations and needs of the younger generation.
The establishment of a National Youth Conference, as suggested, could serve as a catalyst for this transformation. Such a conference would provide a platform for young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to come together, share ideas, and formulate strategies for political engagement and leadership. It would also serve as a beacon of hope, signaling to the world that Nigerian youths are ready to take up the mantle of leadership and usher in a new era of governance characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and integrity.
In conclusion, the narrative that Nigerian youths are not ready for leadership is not only flawed but also a gross underestimation of their potential. By coming together, setting aside differences, and focusing on a shared vision for Nigeria, the youth can break the cycle of political stagnation and pave the way for a future that leverages the full spectrum of their talents and abilities.
The time for action is now. The youth of Nigeria must rise to the occasion, armed with the knowledge that their collective efforts can reshape the political landscape. Through perseverance, strategic planning, and unity of purpose, a new chapter in Nigerian democracy can begin—one that is written by the youth, for the benefit of all.
I have laid out a blueprint for change. It is up to the youth of Nigeria to take up this challenge, to engage, to innovate, and to lead. The future of Nigeria rests in the hands of its young people, and the time to act is now. Let this be the moment when Nigerian youths unite to make an indelible mark on the history of their nation, proving once and for all that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the architects of today’s change.
This call to action serves as a beacon for Nigerian youth, urging them to seize control of their destiny and make an unprecedented impact in the realm of democracy.
Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
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