Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has raised concerns over the increasing disrespect of youths towards elders on social media. Keyamo, who is also the spokesperson for the campaign council of President-elect Bola Tinubu, said that the situation has become alarming, especially considering that some young people justify their disrespectful behavior as anger towards the older generation for allegedly mismanaging the country’s affairs.

Keyamo pointed out the irony in the fact that these same youths are building a movement around a character from the same generation they condemn. He accused the youths of being misled into the movement, which he claims is rooted in deep-seated tribal and religious sentiments, rather than genuine concerns about the state of the country.

The minister’s comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users agreeing with his views, while others accuse him of being out of touch with the reality of the situation. Some argued that the disrespect shown by youths towards elders is a result of years of frustration and a lack of opportunities, as well as the older generation’s failure to address these issues.

In recent years, social media has become a powerful tool for young people to voice their opinions and hold those in positions of authority accountable. However, the medium has also been a source of conflict and division, with many using it to spread hate speech and propagate false information.

The issue of intergenerational conflict is not unique to Nigeria, as it is a global phenomenon that has been brought to the forefront by the rise of social media. Some experts have suggested that the increasing polarization between different age groups is a result of widening economic inequality and a lack of opportunities for young people.

As Nigeria prepares for a new administration, it is essential that leaders at all levels engage with young people and address their concerns. Failure to do so could result in further polarization and conflict, with potentially disastrous consequences for the country’s future.