THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW HAVE ARRIVED BUT ARRIVED LATE

 Collins Imoudu Andrew |

Nigeria's neglect of its young population is appalling, and there seems to be no end. The young shall grow and become leaders of tomorrow, they said.  The youngsters of yesteryears are grown-ups and ready to take over, but their ancestors are still on the stage. Did they arrive late? The answer is affirmative and negative because the young are in two categories: those who arrived on time and those who arrived late. Those who arrived on time couldn't get placements because the older ones refused to give way. Those who arrived late came that way because of neglect of the system and the untold hardship it put them through.

It is so pathetic that many youngsters don't even want to take up leadership positions or any of such things; they only want to breathe, live and enjoy the good life as it ought to be, yet daily, the gap between acceptable standards of living and the unacceptable one keeps widening every minute raising the concern that the nation is lacking in the ability to harness the potentialities inherent in her youth and making the phrase "Leaders of Tomorrow" more of lamentation than celebration. 

Nigerian youths are currently grappling with systemic issues that have hindered their growth and contribution to national development. I am not saying every young person has lost it. However, to make the case as strong as possible, the number of those suffering from the neglect of the system is more than those basking in the privileges it offers.

One of the critical areas where Nigeria faltered is the neglect of its educational system. Despite having a large youth population, the educational infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with increasing demands; insufficient funding, outdated curriculum, and a lack of access to quality education have left many young Nigerians ill-equipped for the challenges of the modern world. This educational neglect has delayed the arrival of competent leaders who can drive the nation forward.

The youth bulge in Nigeria, while a potential demographic dividend, has turned into a ticking time bomb due to widespread unemployment and the inhuman treatment often meted out to them by those expected to protect them. The leaders of tomorrow are already here, but many find themselves languishing in joblessness, awaiting trials and the like. The failure to create ample employment opportunities not only stifles the potentialities of an individual but also hampers the country's economic growth. The government's neglect in addressing this issue has led to frustration and disillusionment among the youth.

The leaders of tomorrow have arrived late to the political arena, not due to their lack of interest but because of a system that often alienates and marginalises young voices. Limited representation and the dominance of older politicians have hindered the infusion of fresh ideas and perspectives into governance. Empowering the youth in politics is essential for a vibrant and dynamic leadership that can address the constantly evolving needs of the population.

The neglect of critical infrastructure, including healthcare, technology, and transportation, further impedes the progress of the leaders of tomorrow; a lack of access to quality healthcare and technological resources limits the potential of the youth to innovate and contribute meaningfully to various sectors. Adequate infrastructure is crucial for nurturing and sustaining the leaders who will shape the future of Nigeria.

Social challenges, such as insecurity, corruption, and ethnic tensions, also hinder the development of the leaders of tomorrow. These issues create an environment of uncertainty and fear, making it difficult for the youth to thrive and contribute positively to society. Addressing these challenges is essential for creating a conducive atmosphere for young leaders to emerge and lead effectively.

While Nigeria boasts a youthful population with the promise of a bright future, the neglect of its young citizens has thwarted the manifestation of the leaders of tomorrow who have since arrived but are now transitioning into ancestors without having a go at the good things of life. It is no wonder that some of them decide to take laws into their own hands, and others choose the wrong causes in life as a shortcut, which often cuts both them and their victims short, with nobody winning in the long run; at the moment, several Nigerian youths have no other place to turn to because, with Sapa lurching behind, even Japa is no longer viable.

The government, policymakers, and society must recognise the urgency of addressing these issues by investing in education, creating employment opportunities, fostering political inclusivity, improving infrastructure, and tackling social challenges. Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its youth and pave the way for a prosperous future led by competent and empowered leaders. The time to act is now to ensure that the leaders of tomorrow do not arrive late to make a meaningful impact on the nation's trajectory.