THE AWAKENING OF NIGERIAN YOUTHS: A NEW ERA OF POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT IN 2023

-

Never before in Nigeria’s history have the youths—particularly those from the Southern and Eastern regions—demonstrated such remarkable enthusiasm and active participation in the election process as witnessed during the 2023 general elections. This election cycle served as a powerful wake-up call, almost like a magic wand, stirring them from political apathy into vibrant engagement. It was as if they suddenly realized the crucial role they play in choosing their leaders, a shift that is commendable by any measure.


A pressing question among many Nigerians has been: Why were the youths from these regions so disengaged from politics until now? One plausible explanation is that many young people felt their votes had little impact in previous elections, leading them to view voting as a futile exercise—a waste of time and resources. Along similar lines, some youths believed that political outcomes were predetermined by manipulative politicians before any votes were cast, making participation seem pointless.


Yet, these doubts and suspicions gave way to renewed trust in the electoral process. Almost instinctively, the youths shed their fears and skepticism, stepping boldly into the political arena across the country. A significant number registered for voter identification cards and collected them in preparation for the elections, signaling their readiness to take control of their political destiny.


This shift reflects a growing awareness among the youths that their previous indifference contributed to the leaders they ended up with. Now, unlike before, they are determined to actively participate in the democratic process and choose their leaders themselves. This contrasts sharply with their earlier disengagement, especially when compared to youths in other regions, such as the Northern states, where young voters have traditionally turned out in large numbers to influence election outcomes. After all, election victories depend on the number of votes candidates receive.


The 2023 general elections can rightly be described as youth-powered, given their unprecedented involvement. Beyond voting, these young people have a vital role in mobilizing and educating their peers who remain politically inactive, encouraging them to join the movement toward greater political awareness and participation.


With youths from not only the Eastern and Southern parts but across Nigeria becoming politically active, the long-held belief that the future belongs to the youth now seems more tangible than ever. This newfound political awakening promises a brighter, more inclusive future for the nation, driven by the energy and determination of its young citizens.

Comments

  1. Anonymous12 February 2023 at 23:49

    The sudden interest of youths in the Eastern and Western parts of Nigeria is quite encouraging. They should keep it up as it's likely to usher in a new way of political change in the country. Thanks for this instructive article

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Popular posts from this blog

MARRIAGE: A UNION BEYOND MERE ENJOYMENT

-
Image
It is often said that marriage is to be enjoyed, not endured. This sentiment, however, is frequently echoed by young women who appear unaware of the deeper purpose of marital commitment. Many who hold this view tend to abandon their unions at the first sign of conflict, treating marriage as something temporary rather than a lifelong covenant.   A major factor behind this unfortunate trend is immaturity. Had these individuals attained a reasonable level of emotional and mental maturity before saying “I do”, they might have been better prepared for the responsibilities, sacrifices, and boundaries that sustain a marriage. Without such grounding, they quickly fall into pitfalls that tear their relationships apart.   In this discussion, we will examine why some women enter marriage only to exit within a short time, almost as though it were a casual game. In later articles, we shall turn our attention to the shortcomings of men and explore ways to address those deficiencie...
Read more

THE MYTH AND DANGER OF CURE-ALL DRUGS: A CALL FOR STRICTER REGULATION

-
Image
Cure-all Drugs :  The concept of cure-all drugs, also known as panaceas, refers to medicines that claim to heal every human ailment—a universal solution to all health problems. This idea traces back to Greek mythology, where Panacea, the daughter of Asclepius and Epione, was believed to possess a potion capable of healing the sick. This myth gave rise to the medical notion of a panacea. Figuratively, the term "panacea" is used to describe something believed—often mistakenly—to solve all problems or cure a wide range of illnesses. According to the Collins Dictionary, a panacea is “something that is believed, usually wrongly, to be able to solve all the problems someone or something has, or to cure a wide range of illnesses.” Given these definitions, one might wonder if there truly exists a single drug capable of curing all ailments. If such a drug exists, does it appear in modern pharmaceutical medicine? The answer is almost certainly no. Unfortunately, in many parts of Africa...
Read more

THE TOLL GATE TRAGEDY: A GROWING SAFETY CONCERN IN OTA

-
Image
Toll Gate is a well-known landmark in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The area got its name from the toll gate that once existed there during the democratic presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. It is strategically located at the boundary between Lagos State and Ogun State along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway. In addition to generating revenue for road maintenance and infrastructure development, the toll gate also helped regulate and monitor traffic moving between the two states. In 2012, during the administration of Ibikunle Amosun, the construction of the Ilo Awela Road was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria. The project was aimed at linking Ota with inner parts of the city, including Oju Ore, Osi, Command, Ogba Ayo, AIT, and Iyana Iyesi. The road was rehabilitated and expanded into a dual carriageway to ease movement and improve connectivity within the city. However, the topography of the area presents a serious safety challenge. The road was constructed in such a way that it sl...
Read more