THE NIGERIAN YOUTH: WE CAN DO IT AGAIN....

Nigerian youths are talented....
Nigerian youths are blessed....
Nigerian youths are great people.

The independence of our country was fought and won by youths in their late 20s and early 30s. The template in which Nigeria became an entitity was designed by youths.
Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd ) was in his early 30s as head of state when he built the monuments you can find in the major cities across Nigeria with revenue generated from agriculture........the Nigerian youths are prudent and inventive.
Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was in his early 30s as the military governor of old Easter region. At that age,he was a lieutenant colonel in the Nigerian army........Nigerian youths are brilliant.
Most of the activities that went on in Nigeria during the pre and post independence era were powered and championed by youths.WHY WAS IT SO? Because they were groomed with the spirit of patriotism so their energies were channelled into inventions to build and develop the infant country,Nigeria. To them,Nigeria was first before self. They were equally opportuned to benefit from the mentoring of the colonial masters.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PRESENT DAY NIGERIAN YOUTHS?

There have been a lot of disconnect. People now think about self,tribe, religion,zone,state etc which originated from successive bad leadership and political instability. Young people who are creative and innovative were completely abandoned and left to roam about without guidance. A nation cannot grow without all stakeholders coming together. It can still be connected......we can do it again.

HOW HAS THE PRESENT DAY NIGERIAN YOUTH FAIRED?
President Muhammadu Buhari was 32 when he was the governor of the old north eastern state. Presently,he is the president of Nigeria but he has not giving youths of this generation the chance/opportunity he was given then. Nevertheless,the present day Nigerian youth have not stopped pushing hard inspite the numerous challenges and impediments. The few that are privileged to be around power have really made the youths proud and demonstrated that yes"we can do it again".
-H.E Labaran Maku was made a commissioner for youths and sports in Nassarawa state in his 30s. His performance promoted him to become the deputy governor still in his 30s.
-Chief(sir) Victor Umeh, OFR, KSJ was made the national chairman of APGA as a youth. He fought so hard to keep APGA still in existence.
-Alhaji Sani Shinkafi(wambai Shinkafi) was in his 30s when he displayed quality leadership as the national secretary of APGA.
-Ozo Nwabueze Okafor was in his 30s when he was a LG chairman and eventually became the national president of ALGON were he fought tirelessly for local government in Nigeria.
-Osaro onaiwu was 23 when he was the special assistant to H.E Sam Ogbemudia former governor of old bendel state. That opened the door for several other political positions he attained.
-Mark Okoye is just 30 and the present commissioner for economic planning and budget development in Anambra state.just few months in office as commissioner,he has turned the economic fortune of Anambra state. Anambra now engage on massive export of commodities. Anambra is now prosperous.
These are Nigerian youths and there are many more out there that have excelled in different fields even in the mist of hardship....yes we can
Finally, I still believe in the saying that"youths are leaders of tomorrow and partners of today".in every sector,the wisdom of the elders and the energies of the youths are needed for meaningful growth which implied synergy. The youths of this generation needs mentoring. There is no institution around to mentor young people so I advice our leaders to adopt any young person they see a trait of leadership in him or her for mentoring and guidance. This will help build the Nigeria we all hope for. Neglect the youths,retard the growth and development of a nation......yes we can do it again.

Comrade Chuks Nwoga
APGA national youth leader

The youths themselves are not sure they can do it. They prefer to 'die' for their grandfathers (present leaders) than support their fellow youth.