Perspective

Since Nigeria returned to democracy in May 1999, after almost three decades of military rule, and almost two decades of economic crises, the country has been faced with the complex challenges of national reconciliation, national reconstruction and economic reform.

The most urgent issue in Nigeria currently is the issues of democracy, understood not only as an end to military rule but also as the establishment of responsive and responsible political institutions which promote a government that is accountable, prevent corruption, respect human and civil rights, and ensure popular sovereignty.

In the midst of these, Nigerian youth have great roles to play to support what the present administration is doing since 1999 when the country backed to democratic system of government. But there are so many factors impeding Nigerian youth as a part of our democratic process growth. The factors are unemployment, non-availability of good and sound education, non-access to good social amenities such as water, electricity and so on.

THE YOUTH AS A TOOL OF POSITIVE CHANGE
The roles the youth can play as a tool of Positive Change are enormous, which I will highlight below:-

Formation of pressure groups: Nigerian youth in their different communities can form political pressure groups, which will ensure the proper governance at the local government levels, performance of their representatives at the state houses of assemblies and federal legislature’s arms. These groups can mandate themselves to make it a point of duty to meet with the political office holders to deliver the demands of the masses to them and vice-versa. This can only be achieved if only the youth will shun the act of corruption. This is so because some of our youth can turn their backs to the communities by following and cover-up the politicians bad acts in their quest to get financial rewards from them (politicians).

Contest for an elective post: – It is high time Nigerian youths contest for an elective post ranging from local chancellor to governorship offices (since Nigerian youth policy indicated youth from age 18 to 35 years). It may not be possible in some circumstances because of fear of defeat by the “big wigs” or lack of financial back ups. However, from my own point of view, it is very possible, because the youth made up of 40% of the Nigerian population. Youths should support other who has interest in changing the trends in Nigeria’s economy by voting on the Election Day, and offer youthful advice when youth elected officers are going against their manifestoes.

Anticorruption Club: -The issue of corruption, nevertheless, still remains one of the most difficult problems under the current government of Obasanjo. The youth can organize seminars for the youth from primary schools to higher instructions on the need to shun corruption.