Youths, time to strive for leadership positions

African Youth Charter defines a youth as every person between the ages of 15 and 35 years.

Leadership on the other hand, is the ability of an individual, a group of individuals to influence and guide followers or other members of a society or an organization.

Elsewhere in the World, the so-called “leaders of tomorrow” are already leading today, but in Nigeria, we are still asking questions.

In politics thus, when we think of the youth, what the sociological observation forces into our minds are the miscreants and garage touts (“area boys”), the loafers, drop outs, the almajiris, the unemployed and all those who are socially abused, humiliated and deprived of meaningful life.

It is sad to observe that when it comes to politics, they want opportunities thrust upon them without them fighting or striving for it.

The Nigerian youth in my humble opinion, has not sufficiently demonstrated enough preparedness to assume leadership position of the country. They have refused to receive political tutelage from the older generation but are quick to remind us of how young Iconic leaders such as Awolowo, Zik, Enahoro and many others were when they assumed leadership position.

The Awolowos, the Tafawa Balewas and Azikiwes fought for what they became. It was never handed to them on a platter of gold. They wrestle for it.

The Nigerian youths should be factored into the governance framework of the Nigeria state. The ability, agility and virility of youths is needed to achieve the yearnings and aspirations our founding fathers fought for.

Fellow Nigerian youths, it’s high time we demanded our rightful place in the organogram of power. Until we do so, we will never achieve any leadership position in this country.

Sumakada Musa Amos is a corps member serving in Kwara state. He is a member of the Creative Writing group, SAED for the NYSC