Picture this: a private jet landing gracefully in Italy, carrying a Nigerian delegation. Among them, two young men, not government officials, but sons of a prominent politician, basking in the glow of their father’s influence. Fast forward to a bustling rally in Port Harcourt, where the air is thick with chants, tension, and the occasional scuffle. The sons of the same politician? Nowhere to be found. Instead, the crowd is filled with the sons and daughters of everyday Nigerians, risking their safety for a cause they may not fully understand.
This stark contrast is a tale as old as time in Nigerian politics. The privileged offspring of the elite enjoy the spoils of power—luxury trips, elite education, and a life far removed from the struggles of the average citizen. Meanwhile, the youth from less privileged backgrounds are often recruited as the foot soldiers of political campaigns, exposed to the dangers of rallies that can turn violent at the drop of a hat.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. Nigerian youths hold immense power, not just as a voting bloc but as the future of the nation. It’s time to reject the role of being pawns in a game that doesn’t serve their interests. Why risk life and limb for politicians who wouldn’t dream of putting their own children in harm’s way?
Instead, let’s channel that energy into building a future where every Nigerian child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s demand accountability from leaders and refuse to be complicit in a system that perpetuates inequality. After all, the true power lies not in the hands of the politicians, but in the collective will of the people.
So, to the Nigerian youth: the next time you’re asked to rally, march, or fight for a cause, ask yourself—would the politician’s child be standing next to you? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time to sit this one out and focus on building a brighter, safer future for yourself and your community. Because you deserve more than being a pawn in someone else’s game. You deserve to be the king or queen of your own story.
