WHERE DID WE GO WRONG?

 

     It just occurred to me that Awolowo was [37],Ahmadu Bello [36], Akintola [36],Enahoro [27], Balewa [34] and Okotie –Eboh [27] led the struggle for independence after the death of Macaulay , Only Azikwe was 42 at that time.
     It might also interest you to know that in 1966, Nzeogwu [29] led the first Nigerian coup which was countered by Mohammed [28], Danjuma [28], Babangida [25], Garba [23], Abacha [23], Yar’adua [23], and brought into power Gowon [32], Ojukwu [33], Obasanjo [29] and Buhari [24].

     In the same vein, the brief democratic dispensation which interjected the military interregnums also saw the House of Representatives in particular population by majority of members under 30 years as well as some senators.

     Fewer than 30s were also not in short supply with appointments; we have examples of MT Mbu who became foreign affairs minister at 23 and also Pat Utomi who became presidential adviser at 27 and so on and so forth.

   
    Now: Why is it that this age bracket is today sleeping in 3 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 writing JAMB? Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching for job? Why is it that this age bracket is no longer qualified to even be leaders of the youth wings of political parties *** and even the interested ones would claim not to be interested , all in the name of their religious beliefs*** 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 doesn't want to get enlightened *** they would burn, destroy and damage properties meant for them all in the name of “Aluta” and protest, and won’t still see they only create chances for the authorities to exploit them all in the name of damages levied amongst others***Why is it that this age bracket is today incapacitated, unwilling, unable and incapable of asking questions?

    I feel the kind of pain Elder statesman Wole Soyinka must have felt when writing these words, and this makes me remember the legendary Nelson Mandela quotes “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”.

   GOD BLESS MY COUNTRY! GOD BLESS NIGERIA!! (2014)

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