Words by Kofoworola Ayodeji

A few weeks ago, I engaged one of my newest friends in a short but memorable conversation. The discussion centred on whether or not Nigeria could rise to become one of the greatest nations in the world. In the process, I shared the Nigeria of my dream— that in the nearest future, our nation shall become a model for perfect governance and youth empowerment; a Nigeria that is generally safe, with uninterrupted power supply, standard education and very competent healthcare system.

And then, she suddenly exclaimed: “General Kopho (as I’m fondly called), you must really be crazy! It’s so weird to think Nigeria could achieve the feats you just highlighted, especially the stable electricity part. Haba, na wa for you oooo.” I guess you are as shocked as I was. With a gentle smile, I replied her: “Ordinary people don’t change the world, crazy people do. By the way, if the Wright brothers were not crazy, perhaps we wouldn’t have had anything like aircraft today. Ditto the facebook wizard, Mark Zuckerberg as well as the other folks who have changed the world. So far we believe and work towards it; we would get it done.”

I know many Nigerians; especially the youths arguably share the views of my friend. That’s not surprising in any way, and this is because the present situation in the country has painted a picture of hopelessness. However, we must (as young people) strive hard to take our eyes off this dark picture and build the kind of nation we desire. So, how do we achieve this?

Youths in Nigeria can actually transform the nation. For decades, we have been deprived of the basic enabling environment needed to develop the robust potentials locked up in the minds of tens of millions of young Nigerians. But, we can synergize and take our destiny into our hands by penetrating deep into every sector and cause an unprecedented transformation. Though this is gradually taking place, more should be done. Remember, the future belongs to us and that we must begin to build from now— we can’t afford to fail the next generation of leaders!

For the purpose of this article, I would only focus on a number of sectors that we must turn around. They include: Entertainment, Business/Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Technology, Politics, Education and Health. These sectors must be developed in such a way that any Nigerian can naturally belong to any of them, depending on their gifts, choice and passion; no citizen should be disadvantaged because of his or her choice. This new system should reward every talent or passion—so far it creates great opportunities—adequately.

You would agree with me that the Nigerian Entertainment sector has been growing well in the last decade, courtesy of Naija youths. This is highly commendable and more should be done to develop the budding entertainers that are all over the country. This will no doubt create more opportunities to build a world class entertainment empire. After all, entertainers from this country rank among the best in the world.

Let’s move on. The teaching profession must be reserved for those who are indeed passionate about it—not those who take it because there are no other options available. It’s only when we have young and passionate transformational teachers (who are well armed with the latest skills) in Nigerian primary, secondary and tertiary institutions that the system would begin to churn out well-prepared and competent graduates. Like I discussed in my previous article Distorted Focus Of Nigerian Education System,the education system of Nigeria needs serious overhaul.

I think it’s time for Nigerian youths to actively get involved in politics. A great political analyst, Isiaq Hammed once said: “They (youths) should decide and not be decided for. Only youth oriented and ideologically inclined parties can provide the needed third force to swing the balance in favour of the masses…” . The moment this is done successfully, we shall begin to have our brightest minds as councilors, local government chairmen, state and federal legislators, deputy governors and governors, as well as presidents— those who can draft and implement the policies that would develop every section of the society.

There must also be strong collaboration among the youths to create thriving businesses that would outlast this generation and open rooms for the mentoring of younger citizens. I know quite a number of young Nigerians who are building this industry in a fascinating way. At this juncture, we must begin to see ourselves as members of one big family who are working together for a common future.

Agriculture and Technology are very crucial sectors. Majority of the farmers in Nigeria are already growing old. There is need for fresh and more energetic hands to take over from them and turn the sector around. Technology must also be put at the forefront of everything we do— it drives almost every sector today. As a matter of fact, we also need a formidable health sector that can guarantee an adequate life expectancy— the number of years that somebody can be expected to live. By breaking into all these sectors, Nigerian youths will no doubt begin to create a safer, brighter and more secured future not only for themselves, but also for the generation yet unborn.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently declared: “When young people have decent jobs, political weight, negotiating muscle and real influence in the world, they will create a better future”.  Think about that!

I strongly believe that things will change and for this to happen there is need for action. Action can only be carried out by people, and this time around, it has to be the Nigerian youths. Let’s get it done and be hopeful of a better future.

As for me, I’m proudly Naija, what about you?

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Kofoworola Ayodeji is a writer and transformational speaker.

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.