Are Nigerian Youths Ready for Political Leadership?

Few weeks ago, I shared with many Nigerians who were worried about the anomalities that riddled the ministerial appointment, especially the fact that there is a recycle of old politicians in the new government administration.

These men, many people believe, are by now supposed to have vacated the public space for young ones to take over. Funny enough, we may not be entirely wrong in our presumption because freedom of expression still reside with us and since democratic setting obliges individuals to express their opinion. We’re on the right track.



The Buhari’s led administration on assuming office was expected to announce the cabinet which will strictly include technocrats that see to the smooth running and development of the government ministries they are appointed in.
He consciously extended the ministerial announcement promising, he would properly scout and filter out the competent people to handle and help him actualise his “change” initiatives.
As patient Nigerian, we waited for the ‘saint’ dressed in white garment without spot or wrinkle who may or may not have dented their garment with corruption since he is a anti-corruption fighter. But we’ve seen the first ministerial list and the second ministerial list and they are filled with not the young blood we expected but a recycle of old men who have been at the helm of power since post-independence.

Let’s now ask ourselves some logical question against the backdrop that I was instructed to work hard by my teachers in school – that I and the rest of my colleagues are the future leaders of tomorrow. Yet till date, the political space is occupied by the supposed people who ruled when my mum was in high school.
But are young people really ripe for this political position(s)? Are we ripe for a new solution leadership position? Can we steer the political stirring if bestow with political power and authority?

No! Well, sounds hash, right? But it is obviously true since youths are predominantly used by the old men to achieve their political gains. Not like, we can’t see youth who have being sweating to better the lives of their fellow neighbor with hardwork – reside and fastened to their chest. We have them. They’re skillful, resilience, has oratorical prowess and motivation. Yes! Now can they turn the political soup with ease considering the obstacle in the pot of soup.

We’ve undergone leadership development with less dependence on that can we govern over a million people even when checked some of us have less managerial skill. Politics is more or less when we take to the stage with well crafted statement to address the press.
We need to acknowledge that politics is not for apprentices and by now we have gotten to know that. How can we shun away from participating in decision making process of the government and still want to be appointed into political office? It will still belong to them until we recognize our right place.

I listened to Bishop Matt Kukah via a radio live broadcast during Afe Babalola University’s Convocation Lecture when he narrated how a youth walked up to his friend (Vice-Chanacellor) requesting him (the friend) to tell him the ‘course combination that will permit him to enter a paramilitary organisation in Nigeria’ And he wants to be the leader of tomorrow?. It is laughable but we need to be ready to take the bull by the horn.
While we protest in that regard, I have seen a youth leader, (a politically elected youth) who have nothing to offer. I mean no agenda and no project. How do we justify that? Not the only one, we still
have countless number of them who have nothing to offer to the public.

Let’s believe the marathon race belongs to the experienced few and not freshmen. It’s time to wake up from our slumber and facilitate the government; playing part and helping in our very little way to lift this nation to a greater height.

Conversely, we have youth who are skillful in their craft but need only political orientation in order to deliver productive result. Some of them came out in their numbers in the last election but more need
to be done.

We can handle political appointment, we can do it, we can take them out but we need to be determined about it.

We’re still the leaders of tomorrow.


Note: This article was first published at Edufrica