Today Nigeria turns 21 and millions of young Nigerians also turn 21. In fact, btw 1999 and today, ~80 million Nigerians have been born. Out of those 80 million, at least 72 million are alive and well (factor in avg. 10% death rate). ~15 million are those I call #BornDemocrats 
By 2023, that number increases to ~21million (born btw 1999 - 2005). These young Nigerians, who can now vote or carry pvc, have never been under military rule, unllike some of us. They don’t know or care about IBB or Abacha. While they know of June 12, MKO may not be their hero.
Fela’s music may have influenced many of us at some point, for them it is Davido, Wizkid or Tiwa. When they think of activism or social advocacy, Chief Gani Faweyinmi or Ken Saro-Wiwa aren’t their legends. History being out of school curriculum is to blame of course.
However, we must accept that June 12 as important as it is, does not necessarily resonate with a whole generation. And for me, that is profoundly sad. But, I am hopeful about what is possible, with this generation. While many of us adopted technology, they’re digital natives.
Both the ~21million who are political active (above 18), and the remaining ~51million will define the future of Nigeria, whether we like it or not. They’re the real youth of Nigeria, not those of us in our 30s or 40s. It is those young people that I write today, June 12.
To say that, for the Labour of our heroes past to not be in vain, we need you. We need you to not just be armed with historical knowledge but with vision/purpose. To not just be online, among the crowd, but to stand out and lead. While Prof. Soyinka may no longer be able to lead
Protests or fight to hold government accountable, you can. Many of those you look up today, started out right about your age. They did so much to push back on everything we still deal with today, and they didn’t have the weapon you now hold, tech. They were arrested, beaten and
Jailed. They dared our leaders in the past, stood in front of amoured tanks, and got tear-gassed over and again. They were not perfect, neither am I or you. MKO eventually paid the ultimate price, for the democracy we are now attempting to make work. I challenge you (and I) today
To not let their labours be in vain.
You’re living in a semblance of freedom today, because they were bound. You and I have a responsibility, to not only preserve what we have, but to build a nation, where peace, and justice shall reign!
Happy Democracy Day!
God bless Nigeria
You’re living in a semblance of freedom today, because they were bound. You and I have a responsibility, to not only preserve what we have, but to build a nation, where peace, and justice shall reign!
Happy Democracy Day!
God bless Nigeria
