ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Throughout Nigeria’s history, it is no doubt that young leaders have played significant roles in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
Some political analysts believe that contrary to popular belief, the idea that older individuals have exclusively governed Nigeria can be termed misconception.
They are of the opinion that when you delve into the rich tapestry of Nigerian history, one can uncover the youthful leaders who have left indelible marks on the nation’s governance.
From the early days of independence, visionary leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo assumed pivotal positions at remarkably young ages.
In an interview with voiceofnaija.ng, a seasoned political analyst and journalist, Adewale Adeoye, emphasises the importance of youth readiness and proactive engagement in shaping Nigeria’s future.
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Adeoye underscores the need for young people to discover their life missions and actively pursue them.
Azikiwe’s premiership of the Eastern Region before the age of 50 and Awolowo’s leadership as Premier of the Western Region at 43 years, exemplify the youth’s early involvement in governance.
Also, Anthony Enahoro’s historic motion for Nigerian independence at the age of 27 and Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Chukwuma “Kaduna” Nzeogwu’s role in planning the first military coup at 29 further underscore the youth’s active participation in shaping Nigeria’s destiny. Enahoro has been regarded by academics and many Nigerians, as the “Father of Nigeria State”, while Nzeogwu was a Nigerian military officer who played a leading role in the 1966 Nigerian coup d’état, which overthrew the First Nigerian Republic.
Notable figures such as Yakubu Gowon, who became Nigeria’s head of state at 32, and Murtala Mohammed, who assumed the position at 37, exemplify the trend of youthful leadership in the military sphere.
Even in the realm of legislative governance, youth have left their mark. Salisu Buhari’s speakership of the House of Representatives at 28 stands as a testament to the youth’s capacity for leadership.
Adeoye responding to questions said, “I think there is no statistics that shows that old people have been ruling Nigeria.
“Let us go through our history. Azikiwe became Premier of Eastern Region before he was 50 years; Awolowo became Premier of Western Region at 43, Anthony Enahoro was in the parliament and moved the motion for Nigerian independence at 27, Nzeogwu planned the first military coup at 29, Yakubu Gowon became Nigeria’s head of state at 32 and 31 he was already Chief of Staff of Nigerian Army, Murtala Mohammed became Head of State at 37, Olusegun Obasanjo became Head of State at 47, Ken Saro Wiwa was a Commissioner in Rivers State at 25.
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“A lot of State Commissioners are in their 30s. There are people in their 30s in the House of Rep as we speak. It is not true that younger people have not been ruling Nigeria. They have.”
Contemporary examples further highlight the continued presence of young leaders in Nigerian politics. With governors like the current leader of Rivers State at 48 and former governors assuming office in their early 40s, youth continue to ascend to prominent political positions across the nation.
“We also had Salisu Buhari who was House of Rep speaker at 28 years. As we speak now, the Governor of Rivers is 48. The former Governor of Kogi State was in his early 40s when he became the Governor of Kogi State,” Adeoye added
Moreover, the influx of youthful commissioners and members of the House of Representatives in their 30s reflects the ongoing trend of youth participation in governance.
However, the path to youth empowerment in Nigerian politics is not without obstacles.
While opportunities exist for young leaders, they must demonstrate readiness, vision, and organisational skills to seize the reins of power. Crucially, youth must prioritise education, critical thinking, and civic engagement to navigate the complexities of governance effectively.
Adeoye however raised the question, “what is the level of preparedness of youths of today? What is their orientation? What is their aspiration? What is the debt of their knowledge? What is their level of critical thinking and what are their values?“
He said no country will deliberately hand over the country to younger people, saying, “The younger people need to wake up and seize their future. The younger people cannot do this if they are not organised, if they spend their time watching football, going to parties and using the Internet for unproductive ventures.
“It Will never happen that old people in any way will vacate the seat.
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When Awo, Zik and Sarduana were the heroes of this country from the 1940s, they were in their 30s. They organised political parties, spent sleepless nights travelling from one village to the other across the country at a time it would take 5 days to travel from Lagos to Sokoto, but they did.”
Recent appointments, such as the 37-year-old Deputy Governor of Edo State and the remarkable achievement of a 28-year-old woman driving from London to Lagos through 17 countries, serve as inspiring examples of youthful ambition and determination.
“The newly appointed Deputy Governor of Edo State is 37, the lady that just drove a car from London to Lagos through 17 countries is just 28. Youths should discover their mission in life and fulfil it”, he added.
In conclusion, he said, while Nigerian history is replete with examples of youth leadership, the onus lies on today’s youth to harness their potential, demonstrate readiness, and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future political landscape.”