One of the major challenges with our youth today is that of instant gratification. They want instant success, hit the jackpot and get rich quick syndrome, but do not want to go through the process. More painfully, many youth have mortgaged their destinies by doing nothing but would rather give excuses for their failures on the government’s inability to pay attention to their plight. It is a fact that the government has failed many Nigerians due to bad leadership. The question is: Should you become useless simply because your government does not care. Of course not! Your entire life should not be hinged on government. Like the former President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy once said, “In your hands and in my hand lies the future of this great country called America, think of what you can do for your country and not what your country can do for you.” Somehow this simple but profound statement made over 50 years ago, revolutionized the mindset of many Americans today.

As a matter of fact, the youth should start seeing themselves as governmental leaders in the making – who is coming to make amendments and bring a positive change in the lives of others. As a youth, you should understand that even in the midst of this present economic recession, one can still make a paradise out of it. But it is a matter of individual choice. This is where you decide to either take the bull by the horn and fulfill your destiny or entrust your entire life in the hands of a government. Interestingly, there are few likeminded youths in Nigeria today who are determined to make a difference and shape the polity irrespective of the adversity. These are the new breed of politicians and leaders in the making that will transform our nation. Listen, Nigeria will remain the way it is as long as these old politicians keep recycling themselves. It will only take radical youths with a vision to inspire others to fulfill their callings despite the odds. Yes, we have seen youths all over the world making a difference in that direction. The young Yousafzai Malala of Afghanistan is a classical example of a young teenage girl pushing for national and global transformation on equal rights to education and total well-being for all women. At the age of 13 years old she was already a global icon making a difference in her generation. At only 17 she became a Nobel Prize Winner, and even visited Nigeria in 2015 to address our leaders on issues surrounding the kidnapped Chibok girls.

But unfortunately, many Nigerian youth complain and do nothing. Very soon, the time of election will start again, and these politicians will start hiring young people as thugs, and then place guns in their hands to help perpetuate their stay in government. Just for a mere exchange of few thousands of naira, many Nigerian youths forfeit their blissful futures by becoming hooligans in the hands of politicians. As a result, the position which the youth should have occupied as leaders, have been left in the hands of those who are unfit to lead, detached from reality, and averse to positive change. Please note that to make it in life, and also to bring positive change in our society, a price must be paid. Nothing great just happens. There is always opportunity cost for positive change. But it’s always worth it. Ask Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Martin Luther, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah, and many others – they will tell you. Yes, it is tough today in Nigeria and in many other countries of the world. But nothing will happen if the only thing you do is to sit down – complain, murmur, criticize the government – and do nothing. The change you want begins with you. It may appear rough and harsh but it’s POSSIBLE. Like the legendary Napoleon Hill said, “Whatever the Mind of man can conceive and believe, the Mind can Achieve.” The youth need to believe in themselves. Yes, as a Youth you are Strong (1 John 2:14).

Therefore, “Let no man despise or talk down on you as a youth (1 Tim. 4:12). I always hear this comment that the youth are inexperience and needs to learn from the elders. I have no problem with that as long as the elders give way for the young ones with the energy and zest to take over the leadership mantle while they serve as mentors. King David knowing that he was getting old, weak and unfit to lead passed on the leadership baton to young Solomon to become king. Have you ever imagined how old Yakubu Gowon was when he became the President of Nigeria? He was barely 32 years old. Are you surprised? Ok! Let me feed you with more surprises to make you become angry – not necessarily at anyone but at yourself to become inspired and motivated to unleash your life to the fullest. Joseph Kabila was 29 years when he became the President of Congo; Muammar Gaddafi was 27 years when he became the President of Libya; King Mswati III was barely 18 years old when he became the paramount Ruler of Swaziland; Jerry Rawlings was 32 years when he became the President of Ghana; Faure Gnassingbe was 39 years when he became the President of Togo; Mikheil Saakashvili was 36 years when he became the President of Georgia; Roosevelt Skerrit was 31 years when he became the Prime Minister of Dominica; Samuel Doe was 28 years when he became the President of Liberia. At the age of 16 years in 1963, Bill Clinton had a handshake with the then President John F. Kennedy. He resolved in his mind that day that he will become the President of America one day. That vision so captivated him that at the age of 38 years, he became the Governor of Arkansas. At 46 he accomplished his dream by becoming the President of America.

Please, do not get me wrong. Some of these young leaders did fairly well, others failed. The point is, the youth should arise and be given a chance. Let's assume Nigeria is like a desert, where nothing grows or functions properly. The question is: What can you make out of your life living in such an environment? Remember, Dubai which the whole world looks forward to visiting today for holidays and leisure was a mere desert about 30 years ago, with no visible attraction whatsoever to draw any living soul there. But today it is a different story because someone with a vision turned it around and made it a global centre of attraction. Nigerians have suffered enough, and if Nigeria is going to get better, it is you the youths that will make it happen. And if you are waiting for these evil politicians in government to retire and hands over power to you, then you will be joking. They aren’t going anywhere except you arise and push them out. Yes, you Must Arise and Shine, it is your time.

See you at the Top!

Dr. Elvis UKPAKA
Trainer. Coach. Consultant. Author
President, Youth With A Vision (YWAV)

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