WHERE DID WE GO WRONG?
WAKE UP NIGERIAN YOUTHS
Awolowo was (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36)
Balewa (34) and Okotie-Eboh (27), Enahoro (27) led
the struggle for independence after the death of
Macaulay. Only Zik was 42 at the time.
In 1966, the first coup was led by: Kaduna Nzeogwu
(29) and countered by Murtala
Mohammed (28), Theophilus Danjuma (28),
Babangida (25), Nanven Garba (23), Sani
Abacha (23), Shehu Musa Yaradua (23), and brought
into power Gowon (32), Ojukwu (33), Obasanjo (29),
Buhari (24).
Most of the military administrators who governed the
states under the successive military regimes, most
of whom are governors now, were under 30 years.
The brief democratic dispensation which interjected
the military interregnums also saw
the House of Representatives in particular populated
by majority of members under 30 years as well as
some senators. Under 30s were also not in short
supply with appointments, we have examples of MT
Mbu
who became foreign affairs minister at 23 and Pat
Utomi who became a presidential
adviser at 27 and so on and so forth.
NOW:
Why is it that this age bracket is today still sleeping
in 3 seater chairs in their parents’
homes?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still collecting
pocket money from their parents?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still writing
JAMB?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still sagging
their trousers?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching
for jobs, not yet married?
Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer
qualified to even be leaders of youth
wings of political parties?
Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still incapable
of feeding itself?
Why is it that this age bracket is today barred by law
from even aspiring to certain political offices?
Why is it that this age bracket is today incapacitated,
unwilling, unable and incapable of asking questions?
GOD BLESS NIGERIA!"
: (c) 2014
Prof Wole soyinka