Thread by @KolaOyeneyin

Generation #Sorosoke - What Can Data Tell Us?

On May 29, 2020 Nigeria’s democracy turned 21, and millions of young Nigerians also turned 21. In fact, btw 1999 and today, ~83 million Nigerians have been born. Out of those 83 million, at least 72.5 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. That’s why they bravely

remained at the toll in Lekki. They have no idea what the military is capable of. 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, etc

When they think of activism/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.

While many of us adopted technology, they’re digital natives. That’s why they found it absurd that the VP had printed tweets on his desk a few days ago. Let’s face it, they practically created a whole governance structure for #EndSARS online; including cryptodonations.

Both the ~21million who are politically 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 late 30s or 40s. It is those young people that I write to, daily!

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 and purpose. To not just be online, among the crowd, but to stand out and lead. To not just plan an incredibly peaceful protest but to

now get ready to build a nation. While a Prof. Soyinka may be too old to continue to fight, holding 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 too were were arrested, beaten, Jailed and some even killed. 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. If organized, you’re powerfully & have the numbers. That’s what govt. is afraid of. That’s why they came hard on you.

You’re living in a semblance of freedom today, because many 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!

Don’t ever think it’s the end, it’s just the beginning...