Effects Of Democracy On Nigerian Youths

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N.B:This is a lecture delivered by ABEEB MUYIWA a.k.a ALUTA JORJOR on YOUTH LIBERATION FORUM (Whatsapp group) on 29th Of April 2016

With due regards to almighty God and due regard to the admins, distinguished members and colleagues other protocol are accurately and honorary observed. Am here to a deliver a lecture titled THE EFfECT OF DEMOCRACY ON NIGERIA, I am very elated to stand before you in honour to God and humanity and I will implore us to be attentive while I deliver the lecture. Which will as a matter of fact refresh our knowledge on our democratic aspiration as Nigerian youths.

 It is an obvious fact that the youth constitute the larger part of any given nation and they have the largest state and responsibility in ensuring that democracy of that nation is upheld, maintained and respected by all, irrespective of social status, tribe and religious affiliation etc..

It will be pertinent to refresh our memories on some definitions of Democracy and the most common definition is that offered by president Abraham Lincoln of USA who says Democracy is the government of th people, by the people for the people. The webster encyclopedia dictionary define democracy as the theory of government which in its purest form holds that the state should be controlled by the people,each sharing in privilege, duties and responsibilities and each participating in the government . Undoubtedly, democracy encourages equal representation of all sundry that is old, young, male and female and mostly youths in governance. As a student of government,I make bold to say that there is no alternative to democracy.

Based on definition of democracy as stated above,it is supposed to have greater and positive effect on Nigerian youth through active participation in governance, but unfortunately it is sad because the political class most especially those we have voted for or those imposed on us in one way or the other have taken the advantage of ignorance of the youth by re-defining the actual meaning of democracy to suit their own ambition with no due respect to constitution. It is very sad my brothers and sisters that the youths who ought to contest for elective offices are now being used as political thugs or internet or proxy assassins to achieve there self centred interest and goals irrespective of consequences of such acts.  Nigerian youth have allowed themselves to be subject of manipulation and ridicule from very individuals who we have given all our rights to, and they now run our lives according to their interest and political ambition.

It is often said“youth are the leaders of the the tomorrow, however the leaders have refused to allow the Nigerian youth to be instrumental in the development of the country. Democracy as a system of government gives room for youth to be good leaders now and even in the future, through democracy, Nigeria youths should be able to enjoy dividends of democracy. Nigeria should not only be reading or hearing about budgetary allocation, but should be feeling the impact of development, creation of new jobs, innovative, workshops, award of scholarship, supporting entrepreneurship accountability of funds, and allowing youths to be involved in d development of the country instead of being used as political machines because.

A maxim states that“A COUNTRY THAT DOES NOT NURTURE YOUNG LEADERs IS AS GOOD AS CUTTING aN IROKO TREE WITH RAZOR BLADE”

Conclusively, It is time for the youths to start orientating ourselves by preaching to ourselves, reaching out the youth around you and speak words of encouragement to them and make realise they can trust in their can do spirit. Also Nigerian youths should rise up to the challenges and start contesting for elective post. Nigerian youths should form anti-corruption club like LEO, ROTARAC, JCI and others whereby they will organise seminars for youths in primary schools levels to tertiary levels by sensitizing them on need to shun corruption. Also All Student union groups should try to empower youth, nurture youth in to perfection.

At the junction J,Operation O,Time T I hereby submit my Lecture. Thanks