Nigerian Youths And Leadership -By Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan

It’s a general belief that the era we currently are is  “Youth o’clock”, even if those at the helms of affair in our country are not youth. We keep recycling the “old folks”. Hardly will you find a political office holder who hasn’t held a position either in the second or third republic. Such is the recycling of some persons in our political system.

A system that preaches youth inclusion but doesn’t give the youths the needed platform to thrive. That the citizenry, including the old leaders clamour for youth inclusion in politics every time, is a pointer to the fact the ability of youth to manage any given situation is not unnoticed. But why have they not had the chance? Isn’t it evident that the old leaders are scared of transition, they are afraid that the reasoning of the youths will be so critical, they are obsessed with the archaic thinking? Hence, their reluctance in handling the mantle of leadership to those that will approach issues in a modern way.

There is a  saying that “Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely” this, no doubt is very real. No man will relinquish power so easily. Power isn’t served a la carte. To have power, you must stand for it; you must fight for it. But how do we fight? It’s a fight that requires proper thinking, tactical youths and educated youths.

Emmanuel Macron of France is one of the youngest Heads of State in the world, and he’s doing very well. In fact, not so many leaders around the world can boast of better performance. In our country, how much are we ready to be used to invigorate our politics and economy?

Apology to the few exceptions that are walking the talk of “Not Too Young To Run”. How many of us are preparing to take over leadership and be responsible? An average Nigerian youth believe those at the helms of affairs are there to siphon our treasury. Nothing more, nothing less. And as such, if the opportunity is provided to him, he will also follow the trend and embezzle public funds. Is that not vapidness! Youths should learn from the rogues amidst the government and be determined to right the wrongs done by the old leaders.

Evidently, power wouldn’t be given to youths who argue sports all over the street; it will neither be given to youths who sit all day enjoying BBN or youths that prioritise play over national issues. No doubt, Nigerian youths are tenacious, versatile, bold and daring. These qualities I believed is part of the reason why those leaders are afraid to give the power to us even though youths are the greatest investment in the world right now—an investment in us an investment in the future.

Emmanuel Macron is thriving as one of the world’s strongest leaders because he got himself prepared, he knew he was going to become something, and he got himself ultra-prepared.

How do you prepare to be a leader? Readers are leaders, they said. To be a great leader, you need to learn, unlearn and relearn about the past leaders of the world, shape your reasonings on an issue, up to your ideas and broaden your reasoning in tackling issues. The only sure way to amass all these is by reading books, journals and works of visionary leaders.

Another way the youths can get themselves prepared is to engage in meaningful discussions, relating with people that have once witnessed power will help youths in approaching an issue.

It’s also important to note that attending leadership summits or seminars will go a long way in preparing any aspiring youth to forge ahead in decision making. It will do a whole lot of good for any aspiring youths to listen and engage society elites.

Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan writes from Kwara State
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