Zayd Ayuba Alhaji
Nigerian youth in general ought to partake in the larger portion of the processes of providing peace, security, unity and sustainability for the prosperity of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Government, other tiers and in general the institutions and stakeholders should recognize that the youth and their inclusion in peace building, unity and security pave the way for growth and development of Nigeria.
In many cases, the youth are seen as threat instead of instrument to building peace, while on the other hand; the youth mostly restrict themselves to commenting on social media and unorganized activities instead of proving their capacity and readiness in rebuilding the peace, unity and security of Nigeria. Youth must prove their capability before they’re taken seriously!
It is high time for both the government, the youth and all stakeholders to join force together in creating a safer, peaceful and more united Nigeria. This can be achieved if the youths are accepted as the greatest asset of Nigeria, whose ideas are welcomed, whose strategy are used as framework and who are engaged through dialogue between youth from different communities, religious lines, ethnic boundaries and even political beliefs. All we need is a connected avenue to hear ourselves, accept our differences and exchange our ideas in ways that will change our mindset.
Nigerian leaders in Offices and Turbans, in Khaki and academia, clerics and influencers, the billionaire business moguls, artisans and all patriotic Nigerians should be part of the revival effort of our dear nation. We all need to secure our future through relentless trials, because this is our only country and nobody can do it for us.
It is time for our traditional rulers, academic Dons, influential individuals, community leaders, civil society organizations, present and past governors, Heads of state, religious leaders, political bigwigs from all parties, Women groups, youth leaders and everyone in this country to come out and be part of the open discussion to peace, unity, security and prosperity of this nation, it is time to end the discord and nurtured grievances; it is possible and it is now!
We must all start holding effective town hall meetings at the real grassroots, we must start reaching out through strategic community outreach, we must start listening to everyone and opening discussions that will raise concerns and provide solutions. It is high time for the youth to be giving the chance to talk more about the present and be prepared to act more convincingly to the future. We must all begin to think inward toward building a positive mindset and progressive thoughts for our country.
Young people should be involved in the processes for the revival of peace security and unity, everyone would want to speak out, let them be listen to and ensure that ad they’re speaking out, they’re doing it under a favorable conditions, because if economic opportunities are made m available, people will calm down and that’s because poverty and idleness complicate peace, security and unity.
Let there be access to education, social orientation and reforms to civic education. We need a renewed public orientation for meaningful participation of young people in national coexistence, people need to be re-educated on patriotism, ethnoreligious respect and tolerance, values of unity etc as such peace advocacy initiatives must be intensified for growth and development.
Youth groups should start forming to change the narratives, regardless of tribe or religion, let’s start influencing our fellow youth to act in civility, reasonable in our approach, matured in our thoughts and responsible in our action; so that we shall redefine the image of Nigerian youth for socio-economic and political progress.
Zaid Ayuba Alhaji
Write from Kano. A public affairs analyst, commentator and expert in public policies and administration.
comradezaid6@gmail.com
