Youths, it’s time to wake up

IT’s mazing what ideologies, beliefs, religion, politics, illiteracy, ignorance, lawlessness, poverty and corruption can do to a nation that is full of potentials. I was born and raised in Nigeria. My  experiences across the globe, over the years, have made me whom I am today. There is no way I can close my eyes and turn deaf ears to the deplorable state of my place of birth, Nigeria, and my state of origin, Oyo.  If I were God and had the opportunity to freeze all the activities in the country, I would definitely do that. But I am not, I am only a concerned citizen.

Each time I look at the Nigerian situation, I wonder if it was poverty or  the people’s  ignorance that has made the situation so bad. There is only one language Nigerians understand and that language is money!! With all the money stashed  over the years, I have come to realise that nothing has changed,  in terms of  national development and  welfare of the masses. Something bothers me a lot. It is the fact that  greedy Nigerians think they are immortal, but just as the saying goes: ‘Nothing last forever.’ Our best clothes, will, someday, become rags. Our best treasures will fade and vanish someday. What then becomes of us as humans?  Whenever we talk of  people who had left their impact on Nigeria, few names would always ring bells.  Chief  Moshood  Kasimawo Olawale Abiola was one voice of success in those days. He was the father of democracy in Nigeria, but where is he today? Archbishop Benson Idahosa was one of the greatest evangelists Nigeria has ever produced but where is he today? Tai Solarin was an educationist whose desire was for the nation to provide excellent education for all our youths.

Obafemi Awolowo was the first Prime Minister of the Western Region whose ultimate vision was to see a great Nigeria, but those people have come and gone even though their names and  achievements made history.  Their legacies are still being felt up till today. So, if you think you are someone today because of power, money or influence, watch it, because your time will expire someday too. The poverty rate in Nigeria is on the rise and we have not been able to bring it down; our educational system has depreciated compared to other nations’. Its only in Nigeria that degree holders can’t speak good English, it’s also in the same Nigeria that you will see a poor boy with lots of potential but he has no one to uplift him. I remember my mother telling me  Nigeria was so great in the 60s and early 70s. I wonder what has happened to this great nation.

With all these decadence, one begins wonder: Is there hope for Nigeria? This is one question Nigerian youths within and in the Diaspora are asking. Why are our youths flooding foreign embassies to seek greener pastures in other developed countries.  Our president has been sick for a while and the cabal are fighting for power at the Senate. The politicians are stashing money in houses and apartments, our generation’s wealth is bing rampled upon. The question is: Who will rescue Nigeria? Some will say prayers/God, Yes, I agree. But in my opinion,  Nigeria’s  problems are not just in the leadership; the youths have also contributed to the  problem. Youths  are not committed to the struggle for a better leadership and a greater Nigeria. Nigerian youths are constantly and consistently being manipulated by politicians because they allowed them. Our future as youths are compromised for money that may be as low as  N5,000. It’s our time, youths! Our time to demand what we want! Our time to demand the best! Nigeria needs  to be restored  back to her lost glory. Our orientation must be changed. Hard work pays, unity must be the song that all  Nigerians must sing, because the Holy book says “there is a commanded blessing where there is unity.” Tribalism should be dealt with, Education should be a priority of everybody, not just the government, but also individuals and the private sector.

Our government agencies need to be overhauled and corruption must to be dealt with. The constitution should be amended and reviewed constantly to meet newer challenges and law and order should be backed with integrity. Spiritual leaders need to emphasise  honesty,  integrity, love and hard work at all times and they also must live it. According to John F. Kennedy’s favorite quote, “Ask not for what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.”  As for me, I am ready to do what it takes to fix that nation, one step at a time, and I believe the  youth are also ready to take over the affairs of the country. Long live Nigerian youths! Long live Nigeria!

• Fagbenro, President, Young Leaders Association of Nigeria (YLAN), lives in Virginia, United States.