On the 20th of January, 1961 around mid-day, John F. Kennedy, the youngest US president ever elected, gave an inaugural address which is now well-known for its powerful language and message, in fact it is the seventeen most inspiring words in 20th century American history. Kennedy's most legendary and memorable words of wisdom goes thus: "If not us, who? If not now, when?" "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." I would want to make allusion to these words of John F. Kennedy; “Nigerian youths if not us, who? If not now, when? Ask not what the world can do for you, but what you can do for the world. 

 

WHAT NIGERIAN YOUTH CAN DO TO DEVELOP AFRICAN CONTINENT AND THE WORLD

Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi a.k.a Sound Sultan once said in one of his songs titled Motherland “Ajo o dabi ile no matter where you go make you no forget area o area o” Nigerian youth wherever you are, in whatever you are doing; please do not forget your source-Motherland. We all have vital roles to play in developing the Naija, the African continent and the world at large. Here are some ways in which we can make positive impacts:

1. Nigerian Leadership: It is the duty of Nigerian youths to fight against indiscipline and corruption because they are the leaders of tomorrow. Nigerian youth should participate in politics, participate in effective community leadership, promote good governance, and become advocate of transparency and accountability. Do not be used as instrument of political manipulation.

2. Education and Skills Acquisition: A popular adage says: “the more that you read, the more things you know, the more that you learn, the more places that you will go.” There is an urgent need to expand the literacy level in Nigeria. Also, we all should acquire relevant skills, to enhance creativity and innovations.

3. Innovation and Creativity: Nigerian youth should brainstorm and come up with ideas and solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, such as poverty, healthcare, education, and good governance.

4. Job Creation: Do not wait for the government to provide for you. Individuals should showcase their skills and start businesses, and create jobs. Through creation of business and jobs, we would be contributing to the economic growth of the continent.

5. Promoting Social Justice: Shun tribalism, ethnicity, and nepotism. Advocate for the rights of youth, gender equality, and social justice.

6. Sustaining African Ideologies: As Nigerians we should remember our source; “a child that does not know where he is coming from will not know where he is going to.” We should celebrate and preserve our cultures, our customs, and our way of life. Promote the ideologies of our heroes past; pan Africanism, Zikism, Awoism, and the likes.

7. Tutor: We should not be stingy with acquisitions, skills and knowledge. Learn to shre ideas, innovations and knowledge. We need to start mentoring the next sets of Nigerian youths.

If Nigerian youths can be progressive by taking these actions into perspective, we would become instruments of positive change, development, and bring about a prosperous future for ourselves, generation, Africa, and the globe.

 

CONCLUSION

Nigerian youths have a critical role to play in developing Nigeria, the African continent and the world at large. Nigerian youths can become the driving force behind Africa's transformation and a significant contributor to global progress. We can create a continent of our dream. Nigerian youths should take ownership of their future and continent, develop in every area. We should not wait for what the world can do for us, rather we should focus on what we can do individually and together for the betterment of our continent and the world at large.