A SOBER REFLECTION – Jide Ikuyajolu


The lavish life of a Nigerian liability begins with a contemporary lifestyle too extravagant to contend with. An attitude embedded deep within the mind, only visible when aroused perhaps tempted. The orientation that was supposed to be our guide, now dissolved by the inhospitable administration of our government. Now we dream even in daylight, hoping that one day this misconception would be reversed perhaps to a better state.

This period, I grieve, and I'm taking a moment to think before I continue to write the agony I feel for the disoriented Nigerian youth.

The Nigerian youth are left with the crumbs of corruption that fell from the tables above them, now they linger in their heart, mind, causing an epidemic that mutates their perception. Only few are able to embrace this cruelty and desire change. The effect of this action, now reflect on the attitude of our youth. Low regard for opportunities, no value for information. Our course of livelihood now depends on deception, prostitution; the urge to have money at all cost never cease to grow root in their minds. This boomerang continues to manipulate their minds, leaving them unconscious and mentally disabled. Now new generations that emanates are a year better fraud than the next.

Economic indicators coupled with unabated corruption in the country do not flash signs of a healthy environment with the resources to fulfill the president’s promises. The most reasonable thing now is to keep Nigerians abreast of the challenges and tackle them. Anything else is deceit.

WHY?
The “18 years old” consideration makes no impression in Nigeria, no benefits, unfavorable salary plan, unemployment, unwanted pregnancies, poverty etc. These essential obligations are been ignored by the government, enrolling most youths to focus directly on any means of survival and while the government lack a proper agenda to care for the children of inexperienced mothers. The street becomes an open play ground initially, then latter, turns streets for bloodshed and canny thieves. The only Higher council our youth seek and be contented is to HOPE and have FAITH in God, although this seem an unrealistic resolution but our leaders leaves us no choice.

The stories of Nigerian legends are erased because the dead may yet be vindicated; now our motivated history hanged on a book shelf where it may never see the light of day. While the westerners pick our stories bit-by-bit, to put together our shattered pieces, the broken sons & daughters of Nigeria have grown without knowing the true story of our independence only to be left with a canny heart. The reference that inspires our misguided orientation drives us to an uncertain twist.

As long as our leaders continue to raise the bar, our youth will continue to be a liability, where none will be interested in being the leaders of tomorrow, but the destruction of tomorrow.

What a sober reflection.