The youth, no longer ‘lazy’

By Chinelo Nwora

SOMETIME in 2018, President Buhari tagged Nigerian youth “Lazy”. He wasn’t completely right because at that time, Nigeria was experiencing a high rate of unemployment which led youths to protest, stage riot and complain over any national issue; just to vent their anger. 

The cause of most criminal actions like robbery and human trafficking where blamed on the government under the guise of “unemployment,”, thus the name ,”lazy youth”. 

Probably, the president must have reasoned that if these youths were doing something sustainable, criminal activities wouldn’t have been at its peak and there wouldn’t be unnecessary protest against price inflation on commodities. 

I can recall vividly that youths found such labelling offensive. 

Recently, according to reports, about 68 per cent of the youths have finally proved to be resourceful.

Last year, 2020, during the outbreak of the deadly Corona virus which caused work and academic activities to be halted, students especially in universities were short of their usual monthly allowance; that was the time most families were struggling  to survive with the little they had. Financial crises was imminent. 

Intrestingly, this period opened up creative ideas for most youth. Different applications were created to render services to people online; and as 2020 drew to an end, some young persons were already becoming CEOs  of their own companies. In fact, the pandemic year was one of the best for most people.

I was going through a social media platform late last year when I came across a page where people shared their experiences for the year; I observed that though it was a tough year, a good number of people were able to achieve their dreams to run their personal companies, build houses, and get married. 

Although academic activities have commenced; many university students are struggling between their businesses and school. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a few chooses business over academics. 

In as much as some young ones have used their talent and skill to create a niche for themselves, some are still waiting patiently on the government for a good job while others have resorted to the “get rich quick” method which even though not justifiable, is still part of life’s struggle. 

We shall give our pace 

A walking stick gait

and purchase a title

From the capped one

               -Simbo Olorunfemi

Nwora Chinelo