WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR NIGERIAN YOUTHS? AS THEY ARE BECOMING A LOST GENERATION!
September 23, 2020 | News
I was bewildered and left speechless when I recently saw a link Tweet to a video online, of an evictee of the Big Brother Nigeria show called Wathoni, who could not answer the simplest current affairs/basic knowledge questions put to her during a chat show by PlusTv.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR NIGERIAN YOUTHS? AS THEY ARE BECOMING A LOST GENERATION!
I was bewildered and left speechless when I recently saw a link Tweet to a video online, of an evictee of the Big Brother Nigeria show called Wathoni, who could not answer the simplest current affairs/basic knowledge questions put to her during a chat show by PlusTv. To her, the following questions, in her own words - “are too hard.” The said questions are: Nigeria’s democracy day is now celebrated on which date? Which is the most populated country in the world? The hottest region in the world is called? Who was the king of Afro-beat in Nigeria? The said lady, with her make-up, could not answer one out of all the questions asked. And I could not help but wonder what exactly is happening to our Nigerian youths? This is because, there are countless Nigerian youths just like this lady, out there whose ambitions, dreams and aspirations in life are nothing but desiring to daily enjoy the good material things of life, without wanting to put in the hard work required to educate their minds, use their God-given brains to positively impact the society they live in. It is as if majority of the Nigerian youths are drifting away right before our eyes, and would become societal menace and serious problems in the future, if things continue like this.
According to a Tweet by Liborous Oshoma, tv anchor of the Advocate, while commenting on the above situation: “…My friend said, to succeed as a lady in Nigeria, you don’t need a big brain but a big backside. The lower the IQ, the more likelihood of success.” As sad as this may sound, that is the thinking of majority of Nigerian youths. Hence, we have in our hands today, Nigerian youths who do not believe in the principle of hard work, integrity, endurance, consistency, patience and being steadfast when it comes to pursuing career or business success to become somebody in the society. Yet, they want to drive the best/latest cars, use the latest mobile phones, wear the best designer clothes, and what have you. In fact, majority of them just want free or instant money, without working hard for it. As such, they are ready to cut-corners and do the unthinkable just to make quick money. This is also one of the reasons why foreigners, are now the ones taking most of the jobs in the country.
Most of our Nigerian youths just want ‘free money’ without working for it. They don’t want to work. If you give a job, they are usually not committed to it, as some would even abandon the job. They prefer to be begging for money. This is very common in Delta State, as they would hail you “Ose, your boy dey hungryoh!”
Without realizing it, we are gradually but steadily witnessing a lost generation, when it comes to our Nigerian youths, who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow. Today, I see our young men tie their hairs like women. I see our young men plait their hairs like women. I see our young men wear ear rings like women, and wear tight-fitting trousers/pants that looks like women skin-tights, which they still drag down to expose their often-dirty boxers. Now, we hear of young men dating and getting married to their fellow young men. And we also see young women dating and getting married to their fellow women too. And of course, we hear of Government legalizing same-sex marriage. While these phenomena are predominantly evident in foreign countries like the US and Europe, but is also beginning to gain much grounds in Nigeria, even with all the laws banning such abominations in our society. It is now becoming a common thing in Nigeria, especially online where it is beginning to be seen as normal. Some years ago, such occurrences are unheard of in the Nigerian society.
In fact, no religion or culture encourages these things in our societies/communities. But today, gradually and steadily, it is becoming a common thing. And one of the reasons why this is so, is simply because most Nigerian parents and guardians have sold out their conscience in pursuit of wealth, that they have completely neglected the fact that they are supposed to be role models for these future generations. And because many of them have lost their moral standard, discipline and respect before their children, they cannot talk to or caution their children, or be taken seriously.
It is also sad to see some parents encourage their children by allowing them use things they know very well their children cannot really afford, rather than ask questions, they take part in enjoying whatever their children bring home. A child without a known source of income and work, is seen driving an expensive car, which their parents cannot really ascertain where and how they own such an expensive car. Some parents accept expensive gifts from their children that are not working or doing any business. That means the parents encourage whatever thing they are doing to get the money to buy them such gifts. Some children even rent big apartments for their parents where there is no known source of income.
Everything we see wrong today in our society - be it corruption, thuggery, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, indecent/immoral behaviours, etc., is as a result of the ‘failures’ of the various family units. So, not only are parents/guardians/relatives expected to be exemplary role models to their children, they are also saddled with the responsibility of supplying all the necessary spiritual, physical, psychological, sociological, mental and emotional support the child needs to grow into a ‘balanced and well-equipped individual’ that will eventually contribute positively to the growth and development of the general society.
Sadly, we have become a generation that have completely lost touch to the importance of the family unit and our roles as adults in this generation is shaping it for a better society. In fact, for some decades now, our society has been experiencing a lot of chaos, occasioned by unwholesome behavioural and attitudinal inclinations of both young and old individuals. All the values and morality, that once held and made our society relatively stable, noble and productive seem to have been eroded, so much so that many people are now wondering what went wrong. What are parents/guardians doing or not doing that is responsible for today’s mayhem in our society?
The role of parents/guardians is not just to bring their children up to be good role models and provide guidance for them. They are there to give them information and direction. Apart from that, parents/guardians should be able to meet their children’s basic needs in such a way that they do not get exposed to being tempted/lured with things. Mind you, this is not the issue of poverty but it is about the parents playing their role for giving birth to the children they have. And this includes disciplining them when and where necessary. But it is only when a parent/guardian has set a good example, that this will be easily achieved. When the adults are not being the good examples, we can only expect the worse from the younger ones. I know that there are some children who usually deviate from the sound moral, social and African training their parents/guardians give them, however, such cases are not common, when compared to the number of the older ones not being good examples.
We also have some parents who believe that giving their children money and buying them whatever they need is enough, instead of being there for them. There is an erosion of family values. Technology has taken over. Children are now exposed to so many things globally that influences their behaviours negatively, so much so that as a parent, if you are not careful, you will never know. We have come to realize that many parents/guardians need to be parented themselves and scolded because they do not know what it means to parent a child, or be a good example as an adult. And when you do not know how to do something, abuse is inevitable, which is what we have all around our society. Many parents/guardians do not know what is happening in their children’s lives. Parents/guardians work round the clock and do not pay close attention to the child. This creates a vacuum, thereby exposing the children to start seeking for such attention, care and love from other people and even things.
Giving the child a religious foundation is also very essential, whether it is Christian or Islam. There is a lot of negativity from television, internet, school and the society at large in our current generation. Children need to be guided and parents/guardians must be watchful. Parents should also know the friends of their children. So as to know when they are keeping the wrong company. Parents should not just assume their children cannot do certain things. Children could pick vices when parents/guardians neglect them. If parents/guardians fail to play their role well by directing and guiding the child, he/she will go astray and make bad decisions, which will not only adversely affect them, but the society at large. The bottom line is that, for us to have a better society in the near and far future, the work starts from the family unit. And most importantly, the ‘examples’ set by parents/guardians at the home front. As a parent, you cannot be preaching one thing but your life is showing something else negative.
On the part of the Nigerian younger generation, they must be careful in these times, and start bracing up to take-up the challenges ahead of them. They must exhibit the ‘maturity’ and develop the ability to defer instant gratification, and not react to years of deprivation, by selling their loftiest dreams for a mess of pottage – a few dollars. They should not be too taken by material things. It should not be all about Moet, Hennessy, Champagne, fast cars, huge mansions, and varieties of women. We see these things in the songs they sing and dance to. Immorality is becoming their lifestyle, and a majority of them just don’t bother to think. Those who do, are concerned with the self. They want to game the system, cheat and take undue advantage of everyone else. But ultimately, they will be shooting themselves in the foot. It is sad enough that most Nigerian youths are so disconnected from political happenings and government's activities they do not know or care how they are being governed.
Social networks like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Eskimi, 2go, etc. show obviously that Nigerian youths are "very low in quality". The way they argue blindly with whatever, insult and attack each other on salient national issues should not be the reason for pride. If anything, they should be seen brainstorming together to address the ills in their society. The reason this country is moving a step forward then four steps backwards is because WE LACK VIBRANT AND INFORMED YOUTHS. The few that are there and doing their best, are already being shocked. The youths are supposed to be the center of gravity of the society. The youths should be the 'life' of a society. THE YOUTHS SHOULD BE THE HOPE FOR A BETTER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE OF ANY SOCIETY. But with the things that are happening at the moment with our youths, that hope of the future is becoming too bleak and without prospects.
The truth is that our Nigerian youths should realize that they can actually redefine their future and make it in life without resorting to any illegitimate means of doing so. They can decide not to allow the delimiting factors, harsh economic environment, undisciplined/unprincipled artists, and non-performing politicians in the country, to stop them from being successful in life THE RIGHT WAY, and making their society a better place.
I am aware that, sadly, many of the dreams of our Nigerian youths is to live in Europe and America for greener pastures. But they fail to realize that the grass is not really greener on the other side. Like I have repeatedly said in several occasions, no foreigner or foreign country will develop our dear Nigeria for us. That onerous task solely belongs to us, and can best be done by us, especially the younger generation. It is our responsibility to develop Nigeria and no one else will do that for us. Ask those abroad, many of them will tell you that Nigeria, even with its flawed system and leadership failures, is still the best country in the world. There is no place like one’s home country. Nigeria is our home country, and if the right political leaders, as well as followers are in place, Nigeria will only get better one day.
Zik Gbemre.
September 23, 2020.
We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes
I was bewildered and left speechless when I recently saw a link Tweet to a video online, of an evictee of the Big Brother Nigeria show called Wathoni, who could not answer the simplest current affairs/basic knowledge questions put to her during a chat show by PlusTv. To her, the following questions, in her own words - “are too hard.” The said questions are: Nigeria’s democracy day is now celebrated on which date? Which is the most populated country in the world? The hottest region in the world is called? Who was the king of Afro-beat in Nigeria? The said lady, with her make-up, could not answer one out of all the questions asked. And I could not help but wonder what exactly is happening to our Nigerian youths? This is because, there are countless Nigerian youths just like this lady, out there whose ambitions, dreams and aspirations in life are nothing but desiring to daily enjoy the good material things of life, without wanting to put in the hard work required to educate their minds, use their God-given brains to positively impact the society they live in. It is as if majority of the Nigerian youths are drifting away right before our eyes, and would become societal menace and serious problems in the future, if things continue like this.
According to a Tweet by Liborous Oshoma, tv anchor of the Advocate, while commenting on the above situation: “…My friend said, to succeed as a lady in Nigeria, you don’t need a big brain but a big backside. The lower the IQ, the more likelihood of success.” As sad as this may sound, that is the thinking of majority of Nigerian youths. Hence, we have in our hands today, Nigerian youths who do not believe in the principle of hard work, integrity, endurance, consistency, patience and being steadfast when it comes to pursuing career or business success to become somebody in the society. Yet, they want to drive the best/latest cars, use the latest mobile phones, wear the best designer clothes, and what have you. In fact, majority of them just want free or instant money, without working hard for it. As such, they are ready to cut-corners and do the unthinkable just to make quick money. This is also one of the reasons why foreigners, are now the ones taking most of the jobs in the country.
Most of our Nigerian youths just want ‘free money’ without working for it. They don’t want to work. If you give a job, they are usually not committed to it, as some would even abandon the job. They prefer to be begging for money. This is very common in Delta State, as they would hail you “Ose, your boy dey hungryoh!”
Without realizing it, we are gradually but steadily witnessing a lost generation, when it comes to our Nigerian youths, who are supposed to be the leaders of tomorrow. Today, I see our young men tie their hairs like women. I see our young men plait their hairs like women. I see our young men wear ear rings like women, and wear tight-fitting trousers/pants that looks like women skin-tights, which they still drag down to expose their often-dirty boxers. Now, we hear of young men dating and getting married to their fellow young men. And we also see young women dating and getting married to their fellow women too. And of course, we hear of Government legalizing same-sex marriage. While these phenomena are predominantly evident in foreign countries like the US and Europe, but is also beginning to gain much grounds in Nigeria, even with all the laws banning such abominations in our society. It is now becoming a common thing in Nigeria, especially online where it is beginning to be seen as normal. Some years ago, such occurrences are unheard of in the Nigerian society.
In fact, no religion or culture encourages these things in our societies/communities. But today, gradually and steadily, it is becoming a common thing. And one of the reasons why this is so, is simply because most Nigerian parents and guardians have sold out their conscience in pursuit of wealth, that they have completely neglected the fact that they are supposed to be role models for these future generations. And because many of them have lost their moral standard, discipline and respect before their children, they cannot talk to or caution their children, or be taken seriously.
It is also sad to see some parents encourage their children by allowing them use things they know very well their children cannot really afford, rather than ask questions, they take part in enjoying whatever their children bring home. A child without a known source of income and work, is seen driving an expensive car, which their parents cannot really ascertain where and how they own such an expensive car. Some parents accept expensive gifts from their children that are not working or doing any business. That means the parents encourage whatever thing they are doing to get the money to buy them such gifts. Some children even rent big apartments for their parents where there is no known source of income.
Everything we see wrong today in our society - be it corruption, thuggery, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, indecent/immoral behaviours, etc., is as a result of the ‘failures’ of the various family units. So, not only are parents/guardians/relatives expected to be exemplary role models to their children, they are also saddled with the responsibility of supplying all the necessary spiritual, physical, psychological, sociological, mental and emotional support the child needs to grow into a ‘balanced and well-equipped individual’ that will eventually contribute positively to the growth and development of the general society.
Sadly, we have become a generation that have completely lost touch to the importance of the family unit and our roles as adults in this generation is shaping it for a better society. In fact, for some decades now, our society has been experiencing a lot of chaos, occasioned by unwholesome behavioural and attitudinal inclinations of both young and old individuals. All the values and morality, that once held and made our society relatively stable, noble and productive seem to have been eroded, so much so that many people are now wondering what went wrong. What are parents/guardians doing or not doing that is responsible for today’s mayhem in our society?
The role of parents/guardians is not just to bring their children up to be good role models and provide guidance for them. They are there to give them information and direction. Apart from that, parents/guardians should be able to meet their children’s basic needs in such a way that they do not get exposed to being tempted/lured with things. Mind you, this is not the issue of poverty but it is about the parents playing their role for giving birth to the children they have. And this includes disciplining them when and where necessary. But it is only when a parent/guardian has set a good example, that this will be easily achieved. When the adults are not being the good examples, we can only expect the worse from the younger ones. I know that there are some children who usually deviate from the sound moral, social and African training their parents/guardians give them, however, such cases are not common, when compared to the number of the older ones not being good examples.
We also have some parents who believe that giving their children money and buying them whatever they need is enough, instead of being there for them. There is an erosion of family values. Technology has taken over. Children are now exposed to so many things globally that influences their behaviours negatively, so much so that as a parent, if you are not careful, you will never know. We have come to realize that many parents/guardians need to be parented themselves and scolded because they do not know what it means to parent a child, or be a good example as an adult. And when you do not know how to do something, abuse is inevitable, which is what we have all around our society. Many parents/guardians do not know what is happening in their children’s lives. Parents/guardians work round the clock and do not pay close attention to the child. This creates a vacuum, thereby exposing the children to start seeking for such attention, care and love from other people and even things.
Giving the child a religious foundation is also very essential, whether it is Christian or Islam. There is a lot of negativity from television, internet, school and the society at large in our current generation. Children need to be guided and parents/guardians must be watchful. Parents should also know the friends of their children. So as to know when they are keeping the wrong company. Parents should not just assume their children cannot do certain things. Children could pick vices when parents/guardians neglect them. If parents/guardians fail to play their role well by directing and guiding the child, he/she will go astray and make bad decisions, which will not only adversely affect them, but the society at large. The bottom line is that, for us to have a better society in the near and far future, the work starts from the family unit. And most importantly, the ‘examples’ set by parents/guardians at the home front. As a parent, you cannot be preaching one thing but your life is showing something else negative.
On the part of the Nigerian younger generation, they must be careful in these times, and start bracing up to take-up the challenges ahead of them. They must exhibit the ‘maturity’ and develop the ability to defer instant gratification, and not react to years of deprivation, by selling their loftiest dreams for a mess of pottage – a few dollars. They should not be too taken by material things. It should not be all about Moet, Hennessy, Champagne, fast cars, huge mansions, and varieties of women. We see these things in the songs they sing and dance to. Immorality is becoming their lifestyle, and a majority of them just don’t bother to think. Those who do, are concerned with the self. They want to game the system, cheat and take undue advantage of everyone else. But ultimately, they will be shooting themselves in the foot. It is sad enough that most Nigerian youths are so disconnected from political happenings and government's activities they do not know or care how they are being governed.
Social networks like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Eskimi, 2go, etc. show obviously that Nigerian youths are "very low in quality". The way they argue blindly with whatever, insult and attack each other on salient national issues should not be the reason for pride. If anything, they should be seen brainstorming together to address the ills in their society. The reason this country is moving a step forward then four steps backwards is because WE LACK VIBRANT AND INFORMED YOUTHS. The few that are there and doing their best, are already being shocked. The youths are supposed to be the center of gravity of the society. The youths should be the 'life' of a society. THE YOUTHS SHOULD BE THE HOPE FOR A BETTER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE OF ANY SOCIETY. But with the things that are happening at the moment with our youths, that hope of the future is becoming too bleak and without prospects.
The truth is that our Nigerian youths should realize that they can actually redefine their future and make it in life without resorting to any illegitimate means of doing so. They can decide not to allow the delimiting factors, harsh economic environment, undisciplined/unprincipled artists, and non-performing politicians in the country, to stop them from being successful in life THE RIGHT WAY, and making their society a better place.
I am aware that, sadly, many of the dreams of our Nigerian youths is to live in Europe and America for greener pastures. But they fail to realize that the grass is not really greener on the other side. Like I have repeatedly said in several occasions, no foreigner or foreign country will develop our dear Nigeria for us. That onerous task solely belongs to us, and can best be done by us, especially the younger generation. It is our responsibility to develop Nigeria and no one else will do that for us. Ask those abroad, many of them will tell you that Nigeria, even with its flawed system and leadership failures, is still the best country in the world. There is no place like one’s home country. Nigeria is our home country, and if the right political leaders, as well as followers are in place, Nigeria will only get better one day.
Zik Gbemre.
September 23, 2020.
We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes