“Clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria”

Youthful enthusiasm and activism have a powerful role to play in Nigeria, according to a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth. As Sola Abe, 24, a Correspondent from Lagos in Nigeria reports, youth engagement can help Nigeria restructure for positive social change.

In commemoration of the International Youth Day 2016, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, urged Nigerian youths to mobilise themselves and channel some of their youthful enthusiasm and activism into clamouring for a restructuring of the country’s governance structure.

While speaking on the theme “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption,” Anyaoku said that if the country wants to rid itself of poverty, there has to be essential national action in the areas of politics, social change and economic activities.

According to him, the restructuring of Nigeria should pose no threat to her unity as there is need to realise that a truer federalism will give the country greater political stability and faster socio-economic development.

“It is the continuation of the ongoing agitations in different parts of the country which are encouraged by present governing structure,” he said.

He explained that politics should be restructured by involving more power to federating units, which will provide a more viable basis for economic planning and development.

While noting that corruption pervades all levels of the society, Anyaoku emphasised that the Nigerian society in its present state was in great need of social change.

“Corruption permeates all levels of the society starting from examination malpractices in our schools and education institutions through primary, and receiving of gratification before the performance of one’s obligatory duties, to outright embezzlement and stealing of public and private funds,” he explained.

He argued that hard work was no longer recognised as the only path to success in Nigeria, but the society has placed the possession of wealth above the possession of hard work, hence the heavy presence of corruption.

Noting that youths are powerful agents of quality change, he urged them to campaign for the restoration of society’s values and ethics that guided people’s behaviour in the growing up of young people of Nigeria.

While speaking about the massive poverty present in the country, Anyaoku said it was closely linked to the unacceptable level of youth unemployment.

According to him, to effectively address the challenge of youth unemployment, entrepreneurship must be embraced.

“I believe there are vast opportunities to be tapped in the spheres of agriculture, and agro based industry, and also the small and medium scale manufacturing of things that will boost the economy of the country,” he said.

Photo credit: Rebecca Orionosola

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About me: I write for Woman.ng, an online woman magazine that publishes stories that revolves around Nigerian women. My vision is to create media content that will inspire, educate and renew the mind of people. I am passionate about advocating for and empowering abused women.

I hope to be known as a woman that stands against gender based violence. I love to look good, have fun and make new friends. Above all, I love God and pray to become all he wants me to be.

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/

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