Nigeria Independence
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| photo credit: Freepik https://bit.ly/3BaaJyg |
In the year 2020,
Nigeria had her children population from age 0-14years as 43%, People with age
15-24 years were 19%, individuals below age 25 years were about 62% of the
population. On the other hand, those aged 60 years and above were not up to 5%
of the population. According to United Nations (Fayehun and Isiugo-Abanihe,
2020). This data gives an overview of the appreciable increase of the youth
population if juxtaposed with others within the population. The youths are
unique and peculiar. They dissipate all their strength and vigour towards their
passion. They are high in morale and are industrious.
How a nation
utilises the strength of its youths can either mar or make the country. Youths
employed for shady activities during elections, initiated into occultism and
social vices, will destroy their nation. In contrast, their strength can be
directed towards nation-building. The strength of youth is passion. Do not
extinguish it rather kindle its use. Of a truth, it can be dicey. But it
certainly pays off more than being weak and trying to play safe (Rockwell,
2012). The emergence of a new Nigeria is primarily dependent on her youth since
they are the leaders of tomorrow. It is wisdom to recognize and explore the
strength of the youth towards nation-building.
The emergence of a
new Nigeria will remain searching for pots of gold at the end of a mythical
rainbow if the fundamental problem remains unsolved. The problem is not bad
government or her bureaucracy. And it is neither an economic recession. This
problem has its matrix in individuals, who make up the country of which the
youth population is to a great degree significant. The vision of a new Nigeria
is attainable only if the root cause of the old Nigeria or current Nigeria
problem is taken care of soon. People belief system goes a long way to see the
feasibility of a new Nigeria emerging. Humans are a product of their mindset.
For instance, some Nigerian youths believe the only way to live an
eccentrically prosperous life is to travel overseas and do not care considering
illegal migration.
Youths need to be
engaged mentally by having reorientation to change this attitude and belief
system. As the saying goes, information is power. An orientation that births
forth hope in the face of adversity. It encourages them to be optimistic and
having a positive mental attitude towards life. This is important as people
beliefs influence their decision-making. People belief systems form the values
and principles they live by daily. Youths who migrate illegally have compromised
their values like trust, integrity, honesty, loyalty and responsibility. These
values are keys to pulling through when circumstances do not seem to be as
envisioned. Youths intentionally adding to their wealth of knowledge by reading
invaluable resources that can help develop them and the nation is a priceless
investment.
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| photo credit: Freepik https://bit.ly/3iuLj79 |
The need for
education is of a great deal in the development of a new Nigeria. A way to
maintain oppression is to sustain ignorance. Education brings classical
classified information. This information is responsible for the organization,
development management and advancement of individuals, families, society and
the nation. As the saying goes, learning never ends. Youth must ensure that
precise knowledge is gained; through platforms and institutions established for
this purpose. For Nigeria to become a frontier of technology advancement and a
learning hub, youth must be willing; to learn and engage the knowledge
acquired.
For Nigerian youths
to intentionally and actively participate in the emergence of a new Nigeria,
there is a need for the them to engage in vital sectors of the country. To
begin with, a youth who is responsible at the family level is indispensable to
nation-building. Youth who fulfil their obligations to their parents and
younger ones are trustworthy. They ensure that there is order and tranquility
as they go about performing their duties. For illustration, when there's a need
to coordinate and take care of their younger ones when the parent is absent,
they are up to the task. The qualities of leadership and fidelity are learnt
and exercised at this level. These are requisite values for the emergence of a
new Nigeria.
In addition,
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic country with basically three major religions. To wit;
Christianity, Islam and traditional religion. To build a nation free of racism,
religious prejudice and crisis; youths will be meticulously involved in
religion-related issues. There will be a need to advocate for peace, religious
tolerance and love in each religion. The message of love should be the hallmark
of every youth across every religion. In every man is the innate desire to be
loved, valued and respected.
Furthermore,
democracy is defined as a system of government of the people by the people and
for the people. Nigerian youth have to participate in politics. The school of
thought that it is a dirty game needs to be changed. It will encourage noble
youths to participate in politics and help the masses demonstrate their
franchise during the election with no fear of violence or rigging of elections.
All these will contribute immensely to having a corrupt-free executive,
legislative and judiciary government which will, in turn, advance the nation to
the envisioned country.
Youths are mainly
in the entertainment industry. Youth are to participate in talent shows,
Sports, media and arts that help bring to life their ideas and polish their
talents. It will assist in bringing out the uniqueness in every youth. It will
help unleash their oratory skills, charisma, writing prowess and expertise in
various fields of interest. All of these are essential to the emergence of a
new nation.
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| photo credit: The reformers |
Reference
Fayehun, F., & Isiugo-Abanihe, U. C.
(2020, October 25). #EndSARS: How Nigeria can tap into its youthful
population. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/endsars-how-nigeria-can-tap-into-its-youthful-population-148319
Rockwell, D. (2012, July
13). The Stupidity and Strength of Youth. Leadership Freak. https://leadershipfreak.blog/2012/07/13/the-stupidity-and-strength-of-youth/
Nigeria, being dominantly habited by youths could either help to build or pull down a nation, depending on how well we utilize our human resources.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great write up, well-done sir!