By Matthew Ma
“In recent times, a troubling trend has emerged among many young Nigerians. Many have seemingly lost their sense of direction and purpose. This shift can largely be attributed to the powerful allure of materialism, which has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary society. This preoccupation with wealth and material possessions is not just a fleeting obsession; it has developed into a pervasive mindset that often eclipses long-standing cultural values and meaningful aspirations. Young Nigerians, motivated by an intense desire for luxury and social status, frequently prioritize immediate gratification at the expense of setting and pursuing long-term goals.”
Reflecting on my childhood spent in primary school in Benue, I have vivid memories of the morning assemblies we held before classes commenced each day. These gatherings were a cornerstone of our school routine, fostering community and shared purpose among students. Each assembly began with palpable excitement as we eagerly awaited the familiar rituals that marked the start of our day. During these assemblies, we often recited a powerful song that resonated deeply with us, emphasizing the belief that today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow—a sentiment that many can surely relate to as a cherished part of their childhood experiences. The song’s lyrics struck a chord, urging our parents to recognize our potential: “Parents, listen to your children; we are the leaders of tomorrow; please pay our school fees and provide us with a sound education.” These lines encapsulated the essence of our aspirations and the urgency of our plea for quality education. They highlighted the crucial role that a solid educational foundation plays in shaping the leaders we aspire to become, not just in the future but also in the present. The song served as a reminder to our parents and ourselves that investing in education is investing in a brighter future. It was a theme that echoed in our hearts and minds, reinforcing the belief that we could make a meaningful impact in the world with proper support and guidance.
The common assertion that youths are the “leaders of tomorrow” does not stem from its appeal to the very generation it aims to uplift, nor is it simply a reflection of a truism based on the natural law of succession, which dictates that older generations make way for the new. Instead, its widespread acceptance hinges mainly on its evolution into a motto that encapsulates the frustrations of young people towards an elite clique that seems to hold an unassailable belief in their divine right to leadership, remaining unaffected by changing times and standards. What exactly defines the concept of youth? What characteristics or attributes are we referring to when we talk about youth? The United Nations provides a framework for understanding this demographic by designating individuals aged 15 to 24 as youth. However, this definition is incomplete, as various member states may have their own interpretations based on cultural, social, and economic factors. Moreover, the United Nations emphasizes that youth should be viewed not merely as a fixed age group but as a transitional phase in human development. This phase marks the shift from the dependence often experienced in childhood to the increasing independence and responsibilities associated with adulthood. It encompasses a critical period in which individuals establish their identities, make significant life choices, and engage more actively with their communities. This perspective highlights the fluidity of the concept of youth. It acknowledges that youth experiences can vary widely across different contexts and cultures and the importance of fostering a sense of interconnectedness among individuals within their communities.
In recent times, a troubling trend has emerged among many young Nigerians. Many have seemingly lost their sense of direction and purpose. This shift can largely be attributed to the powerful allure of materialism, which has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary society. This preoccupation with wealth and material possessions is not just a fleeting obsession; it has developed into a pervasive mindset that often eclipses long-standing cultural values and meaningful aspirations. Young Nigerians, motivated by an intense desire for luxury and social status, frequently prioritize immediate gratification at the expense of setting and pursuing long-term goals. As a result, it has manifested in various ways, such as neglecting education or community involvement in favor of quick financial gains or superficial distractions. Consequently, many have turned away from avenues that foster personal growth, community engagement, and nurturing authentic relationships. They focus on individual success leading to a troubling disconnect from cultural heritage. They have become increasingly isolated from the traditions and communal practices that once grounded their identities. This disconnection not only diminishes their sense of purpose but also hampers their ability to cultivate resilience and a strong sense of community, which are essential for personal fulfillment and societal progress.
Alex Ikwechegh and bolt driver: When VeryDarkMan (VDM) brought to light the troubling corruption saga involving Bobrisky, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Correctional Service, and the influential Falanas, I had anticipated a dynamic youth movement emerging to rally in support of VDM. I envisioned young Nigerians uniting to vigorously challenge these individuals and institutions that hinder our nation’s progress. However, I was profoundly disheartened to observe a contrasting response: many young Nigerians chose to lend their support to Bobrisky, the EFCC, the Correctional Service, and the Falanas instead. In an alarming twist, some individuals even went so far as to encourage the Falanas to consider legal action against VDM for defamation. They aimed to silence him for his criticisms of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)—a figure who has spent years cultivating a stellar reputation and a legacy in the legal field. This defense of Bobrisky and the Falanas raised eyebrows, mainly when some critics asserted that Bobrisky was not the root cause of the nation’s ongoing struggles. They claimed that the real issue lay with the government officials and systemic dysfunction, suggesting that VDM should redirect his focus to addressing these higher-level concerns instead of targeting Bobrisky and the Falanas directly. This situation leads to a troubling question: how have we arrived at a point where even educated Nigerian youths seem unable to grasp the gravity of corruption, especially when it directly implicates figures they admire? It reflects a more significant cultural challenge that diminishes the urgency of addressing systemic corruption, encouraging a troubling complacency among the very individuals who will shape the future of our nation.
Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He writes from Abuja, FCT.
A week ago, another troubling incident emerged involving music star Portable and an unidentified individual who became a victim of his aggression. In a circulated video from VDM, Portable is seen physically assaulting the unknown individual in a fit of rage, leading to the unfortunate hospitalization of the victim. To date, Portable has not issued an apology or taken responsibility for covering the medical costs associated with the attack. Instead, he responded defiantly, releasing another video that boasts about his intentions to confront VDM if they ever cross paths again, indicating a lack of remorse for his actions. This response has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from some segments of Nigerian youth who have urged VDM to back off and focus on issues affecting the nation. Other individuals have called for VDM to take a firm stance against Portable, urging that he face severe consequences for his actions. The expectation is that such a response would serve as a valuable lesson, instilling in Portable discipline and encouraging him to change his behavior. This situation raises important questions about the attitudes and values of the younger generation in Nigeria. As we look toward the future, many hope for leaders who exemplify integrity and responsibility—qualities that seem increasingly absent in today’s Nigerian youth. The ongoing dialogue surrounding this incident certainly reflects broader societal concerns about accountability and the influence of public figures on impressionable youth.
Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He writes from Abuja, FCT.
