A National Conference That Excludes The Nation’s Youth -written By Toyosi Akerele Enough is enough. To say that I am depressed by the composition of the list for the National Conference is a gross misrepresentation of my heart’s true cry. I am bewildered; gobsmacked by the sheer lack of prioritisation of the most significant bloc of Nigeria’s population in a National Dialogue that I believe was conceived to chart the course of a resplendent and favourable future for Nigeria. When I was 10, the Head Girl in Ebun Oluwa Nursery and Primary School, Oregun, Lagos, I was cheered on and celebrated by teachers and guardians that I was a leader of tomorrow because of my astounding performance and good conduct at the time. Then I turned 20, I was in a university, the Deputy Speaker of the University of Jos Students’ Union House of Parliament and we frequently used the phrase “leaders of tomorrow” to chastise and call to order some of our peers who were somewhat resistant to authority or stood short of what many considered acceptable standards of excellence.We would permeate their conscience with guilt by challenging them that we needed to right the wrongs of our forerunners by leading by example. Our generation just had to be different. Now, I am 30 years old. A National Conference is about to happen in my country. We have less than 10 per cent participation of people below the age range of 30-40. Others are above 50 and, please, stretch it to 70 and 80. I do not detest these people. In fact, I am inherently a traditional Yoruba woman and so respect for my elders is not obligatory, it is mandatory. Yet I think aloud in utter trepidation, anxiety, disdain and disappointment; I wonder if tomorrow will ever come. I stumbled upon this commentary that’s gone viral on social media this past week and I am convinced that it’s an instructive analysis that should inspire deep thought for the elders, the young, and the not-so-young in our country. My thoughts find great expression in the manner in which it informs, provokes and then, enervates. I am sure the ages stated here are not downright inaccurate in terms of the actual dates of birth of some of these statesmen. Here goes, in quote:THEN“Awolowo (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36), Balewa (34), Okotie-Eboh (27), and Enahoro (27) led the struggle for independence after the death of Macaulay. Only Nnamdi Azikwe was 42 at the time.In 1966, the first coup was led by Kaduna Nzeogwu (29) and countered by Murtala Muhammed (28) Theophilus Danjuma (28), [Ibrahim Babangida] (25), Nanven Garba (23), Sani Abacha (23), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (23), and brought into power [Yakubu] Gowon (32), [Emeka] Ojukwu (33), [Olusegun] Obasanjo (29), [Muhammadu] Buhari (24). Most of the military administrators who governed the states under the successive military regimes, [many] of whom are governors now, were under 30 years. The brief democratic dispensation which interjected the military interregnums also saw the House of Representatives in particular populated by majority of members under 30 years as well as some senators. Under 30s were also not in short supply with appointments; we have examples of Matthew Mbu who became foreign affairs minister at 23 and Pat Utomi who became a presidential adviser at 27…NOW•Why is it that this age bracket is today still sleeping in three-seater chairs in their parents’ homes?•Why is it that this age bracket is today still collecting pocket money from their parents?•Why is it that this age bracket is today still sagging their trousers?•Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching for jobs?•Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer qualified to even be leaders of youth wings of political parties?•Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile?•Why is it that this age bracket is today still incapable of feeding itself?•Why is it that this age bracket is today barred by law from even aspiring to certain political offices?•Why is it that this age bracket is today, incapacitated, unwilling, unable and incapable of asking question?•Why are they not at the forefront of national development but only on Facebook/Twitter, ranting and whining but relegated and ostracised from being involved in nation building?These are pertinent, mind-boggling questions, my people. Is our generation not good enough for today? If not, why? General Babangida once pronounced some years ago that the youth of Nigeria are not fit to rule this country and I agree with him because we are a generation of leaders, not rulers. Rulers should please stand aside. Leaders build nations and empower their people.I see that the youth are inadequately represented at this forthcoming National Conference. How do you exclude a people from a discourse that will involve issues that affect their future? Why should we have septuagenarians and octogenarians in their multitude and almightiness, representing our interests when several of them are disconnected from the daily challenges that affect us? Is Nigeria merely about politics? What happened to entrepreneurship and dignity in labour? I am not opposed to their nominations but a fair balance and fine mix of the young and old would have made a phenomenon that one of my finest teachers, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has coined “Generational Integration” come alive, brilliantly. It would have engendered a cross-fertilisation of ideas and cross-examination plus feedback measure that amplifies the expectations of the next generation. This country as it is, is more for us than it is for the old order. People to whom legacies are substantial will be more concerned about what children who will write common entrance examinations in 10 years from now will hear and learn about them.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 22:17:00 +0000