Nigeria’s Youth Demand Change: Cardinal Onaiyekan Speaks Out
Nigeria’s Youth Demand Change: Cardinal Onaiyekan Speaks Out: As Nigeria grapples with widespread protests and uncertainty, the voices of its youth are growing
louder, demanding change and action from those in power. In commemoration
of International Youth Day, the calls for reform have intensified,
putting the spotlight on Nigeria’s young people to shape the country’s future.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Vanguard, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja,
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, shared his insights on the role of young people
in driving change and the responsibilities of leaders to empower them.
the cardinal
Cardinal Onaiyekan commended the efforts of young people working towards peace and development, encouraging them to continue using their religious values to pursue peace.
However, he noted that Nigeria’s leaders have failed to harness the
energy and creativity of the youth, denying them adequate attention,
space, and encouragement. He emphasized that young people cannot
afford to be patient and should be at the forefront of change, as they have throughout history.
The way forward, according to Cardinal Onaiyekan, is for leaders to create an environment conducive to young people’s success, listening to their concerns and
understanding their needs. He stressed the importance of sincerity, not lies,
and genuine attempts to address their concerns, rather than mere tokenism.
He expressed skepticism about government programs, such as distributing 50,000 naira, and initiatives like CNG buses, which he believes will not address the underlying concerns.
his words
Cardinal Onaiyekan’s words serve as a clarion call to Nigeria’s leadership
to effectively engage with its young population, harnessing their potential to drive change and shape the country’s future. As the nation teeters on the brink of uncertainty, the voices of its youth demand to be heard, and it is up to the leaders to listen and empower them to bring about meaningful change.