In the World of Gen X and Z: The Paradox Between -By Caleb Onah

In the City of North Bank in Makurdi, lived Aisha (Not real name) was a member of the Generation X, whom I knew while teaching music every Wednesday in one of Nigerians religious Organisation, born in a time of great technological advancements and social change neglect. From my observation, I noticed she was filled with passion, dreams, and a strong desire to make a difference in politics.

During one of my interactions after our music class, when I asked her about how she felt about her generation and Nigeria’s development, she responded, “Our voices are often ignored during public and political discussions, our issues trivialised, and our aspirations undermined.”

“This neglect has had dire consequences for the country’s political system and its ability to address most challenges faced by our generation.” As many young Female Nigerians, Aisha witnessed how policies were being formulated without considering the needs and aspirations of young Nigerians.

The year is 2023. Our country Nigeria is still a country in transition. Sadly, the old guards, the Gen Xers, are still in power, but the new generation, Gen Z, is rising up. They are demanding change, and they are not afraid to speak out.

This is a paradox. Interesting and important to note, Gen Xers are the ones who have made the decisions that have led Nigeria to where it is today. They are the ones who have created the system that Gen Z is now challenging.

Gen Xers are the generation that came of age in the 1980s and 1990s. They are the ones who were in charge when Nigeria experienced its first oil boom. They are the ones who made the decisions that led to the country’s economic growth. But Gen Xers also made some mistakes.

They allowed ‘corruption’ to become rampant. They failed to invest in education and healthcare. And they did not do enough to address our country’s growing inequality. As a result, Nigeria is now facing a number of challenges. The economy is stagnant. The security situation is deteriorating. And the country is deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines.

Issues like unemployment, education reform, and climate changes, which were of paramount importance to the Gen X, were either brushed aside or given mere lip service, worst is during the military rule. The neglect of the Gen X is creating a wide chasm between the government and the Nigeria youth, leading to a growing sense of disillusionment and frustration.

However, it is of great excitement that, the rise of Gen Z, individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, marks a significant turning point in the landscape of political decision making in Nigeria due to freedom of expression and speech.

With their unique characteristics, perspectives, and access to information, this digitally-savvy generation is emerging as a powerful force in shaping the country’s political discourse.

Gen Z is the generation that is now coming of age. They are the ones who are going to inherit Nigeria’s problems. And they are the ones who are going to have to solve them. Important for us to note, Gen Z is different from Gen X.

They are more educated. They are more connected. And they are more aware of the world around them. They are also more demanding. They are not going to accept the status quo.

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital age. They have never known a world without the internet, smart phones, and social media.

This unprecedented connectivity has empowered them with instant access to information and the ability to engage with political issues on a global scale. In Nigeria, where approximately 70% of the population is under the age of 30, Gen Z’s impact on political decision making cannot be ignored.

Gen Z in Nigeria has shown a remarkable inclination toward political engagement and activism. They are unafraid to challenge the status quo, demand accountability, and speak out against social and political injustices.

The #EndSARS, #RevolutionNow Etc movement in 2020, which called for an end to police brutality and reform of the Nigerian Police Force and government, was a prime example of Gen Z’s collective mobilisation and ability to effect change.

Through the use of social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, they organised protests, shared information, and brought global attention to their cause. Moreover, Gen Z’s political activism extends beyond physical protests.

They leverage their digital prowess to amplify their voices and raise awareness about various issues, including corruption, unemployment, education, and climate change. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for political discourse and engagement, enabling young Nigerians to express their opinions, share information, and hold leaders accountable.

Access to information plays a crucial role in empowering Gen Z’s political decision making. The internet has become a vast repository of knowledge, allowing them to research, fact-check, and form educated opinions on political matters.

They are not limited to traditional media sources but actively seek out alternative viewpoints, diverse perspectives, and independent journalism. Social media platforms have become alternative information sources where young Nigerians can access news, engage with experts, and participate in online debates.

This access to a wide range of information empowers Gen Z to make informed decisions and scrutinise political narratives presented by traditional media outlets or political actors. Gen Z’s desire for change goes beyond activism; they are actively engaging in politics and advocating for political reform.

Many young Nigerians below 30 years of age are running for political office, seeking to bring fresh perspectives, transparency, and accountability to the political landscape.

By participating in local governance, youth parliaments, and student unions, they are ensuring their voices are heard and their interests represented.

Political parties are also recognising the significance of Gen Z and their voting power. They are increasingly tailoring their campaigns to appeal to young voters, addressing issues that resonate with them, such as education, employment, and social justice.

As a result, Gen Z’s influence is forcing political parties to evolve their policies and prioritise youth-centric agendas. While Gen Z’s impact on political decision making in Nigeria is undeniably positive, there are challenges they face.

The digital divide, unequal access to quality education, and socioeconomic disparities hinder the full participation of all young Nigerians.

Bridging these gaps is crucial to ensure an inclusive democratic process that accurately represents the diverse voices within Gen Z. Moreover, sustaining the momentum of political engagement beyond online activism is vital.

Gen Z must translate their digital conversations into tangible actions and engage with the political system through voting, grassroots organising, and community participation.

Building coalitions, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and collaborating with established political actors can help bridge the gap between Gen Z’s aspirations and the existing power structures.

The Paradox so, what is going to happen? Are Gen Xers going to listen to the Gen Zs’ when they, many are power drunk and make the changes that are needed? Or are they going to dig in their heels and try to maintain the status quo? The answer to this question is not clear. But one thing is for sure: the future of Nigeria depends on it.