Nigerian Youth It Is Time to Wake Up from Our Slumber

Nigeria’s youth stand at a historic crossroads. Across the world, nations are moving forward innovating, building strong institutions, growing their economies, and beautifying their environments while we, the so-called “Giant of Africa,” continue to struggle with problems that should have been solved decades ago. The truth is painful but necessary: if we do not wake up now, the future will pass us by.

Look around the African continent. Countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, and Rwanda are making visible progress. Their infrastructure is improving, their cities are cleaner, their economies are becoming more diversified, and their governments are increasingly driven by clear plans and measurable goals. These nations are not perfect, but they are moving forward with purpose. Meanwhile, Nigeria blessed with abundant natural resources, a large population, and some of the brightest minds on the continent continues to lag behind.

The problem is not a lack of potential; it is a lack of effective leadership and accountability. For too long, the same older generation has dominated positions of power, recycling old ideas and outdated systems that no longer serve the needs of a modern nation. Promises are made, but meaningful change is rare. Corruption, unemployment, poor infrastructure, insecurity, and weak institutions have become normalized, and that is unacceptable.

This is why the Nigerian youth must rise not with violence or chaos, but with vision, unity, and determination. It is time for young people to take responsibility for shaping the country’s future by actively participating in governance, policymaking, entrepreneurship, education, and civic life. We must take over government institutions through lawful, democratic means: by voting, running for office, demanding transparency, engaging in advocacy, and holding leaders accountable.

Youth leadership brings fresh ideas, innovation, and energy. We understand technology, global trends, and the urgency of sustainable development. We know that a nation cannot progress without investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, and job creation. We know that Nigeria’s diversity should be a strength, not a source of division.

Calling ourselves the “Giant of Africa” means nothing if our people remain poor, our streets remain unsafe, and our environment remains neglected. A giant that cannot stand tall is no giant at all it becomes, as many painfully observe today, a “giant of ants.” This is not the Nigeria our parents dreamed of, and it must not be the Nigeria we leave to future generations.

The time to wake up is now. Nigerian youth must reject apathy and hopelessness. We must organize, educate ourselves, support credible leaders, and become those leaders ourselves. Change will not come overnight, but it will never come if we remain asleep.

Nigeria’s future belongs to the youth. The question is simple: will we rise to claim it, or will we continue to watch others move ahead while we remain behind? The time to act is now.