‘Why there’s youth restiveness’
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
For the umpteenth time, unscrupulous cult groups and criminal elements who go by the name “One Million Boys,” continue to unleash terror on residents of Ibadan, Oyo State. The areas most affected included Beere, Born Photo, Mapo, Idi-Aro and Akala. Their actions culminated in wanton destruction of lives and properties of innocent citizens.
The Agba Akin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi, told Daily Sun that the government’s lack of vision and foresight led to the youths’ restiveness in the city. He blamed the development on the government for its non-proactive measures to address the situation. He was speaking at the weekend during reception as patron of Ibadan Youth Front at the Omo Ajorosun Club, Ibadan.
He, however, said the Olubadan-in-Council and law agencies are on top of the situation: “The massive unemployment in the country is a time bomb waiting to explode. It is important for government and the rich to be wary of revolution that may emanate from this.
“Presently, the government is even confused. President Muhammadu Buhari cannot find solutions while Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo said even 2017 budget cannot solve the economic problem. The only surviving businesses are schools, churches and other similar ventures and cannot promote or sustain the economic development in the country.
“During our time, about 30 or 35 years ago, the leadership and circumstances of this country encouraged every youths to have aspirations and work towards their ambitions. Hence today, if you look at what you consider my humble self but proud background, it is because the leadership we are referring to gave us time and the space to follow a dream and actualize such dream.
“Today, we cannot say such atmosphere exists because of political, economic and social woes. But youths should not be discouraged to take to crime as last resort because there will be light after the tunnel. The earlier the better for leadership to recreate the Nigeria of the past where meritocracy, fairness and equity were prominent and thus makes you to become your dreams.”
He noted that the present aged adults refuse to leave the stage for youths to express themselves because society tolerates it: “Look at the background of our nationalists at pre-independence and after independence, they were all under 40 years of age when they achieved all record breaking positions. So, whatever situation created that, should be reviewed and restored.
“Taking to criminal acts is imminent when people get frustrated, and not only the youths. Thus, they are bound to express their dissolution and anger in any form. Therefore, government must give immediate solution to social problems like unemployment, injustice and corruption which of course lead to frustration and outburst of anger.”