As Nigeria grapples with widespread protests and uncertainty, the nation’s youth are increasingly demanding significant change. The call for reform has intensified, with young people taking center stage in shaping the country’s future. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Vanguard, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, shared his insights on the role of youth in driving change and the responsibilities of leaders to support them.
Onaiyekan praised the efforts of Nigeria’s young people in striving for peace and development, urging them to continue using their religious values to pursue these goals. He criticized the government for failing to fully utilize the energy and creativity of the youth, stating that they have not been given adequate attention, space, or encouragement.
The Cardinal challenged the government’s call for patience from young people, emphasizing that they should be proactive in seeking change. “Young people cannot and should not be patient. They have historically been at the forefront of change,” he said.
Onaiyekan called on leaders to recognize the ambitions of young people and create an environment that allows them to succeed. He also stressed the need for genuine efforts rather than tokenistic programs. According to him, many youth have not seen the benefits of government initiatives, which he criticized as insufficient and insincere.
Regarding the economy, Onaiyekan highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people to work and contribute to wealth creation. He expressed skepticism about government measures like CNG buses, suggesting that more substantial efforts are needed to address the root causes of unrest and harness national resources effectively.
