ARE NIGERIAN YOUTHS 'LAZY'? - by Samuel Tarmoh

Over a decade, the phrase 'lazy youths' was coined from the lips of one of the most controversial presidents in the history of Nigeria. This phrase came about after a largesse of the youthful population complained about the administration of President Buhari. They complained of the high cost of living and lack of economic opportunities. These complaints came at a time when politicians were deemed to have lots of success and the president was battling with strengthening the economy of the federal states. Nigeria as a nation had too much to deal with, from petty crimes to high terrorism. So, when these youths vented their anger on basis of being jobless despite having a huge oil deposit, they were met with a response from the government, calling them "LAZY YOUTHS". ARE NIGERIAN YOUTHS LAZY? This is a complex, yet sensitive question with both sides of opinion rightfully needing critical consideration. Firstly, I would state outrightly that Nigerian youths are one of the most or most likely smartest in the world. Nigerian youths are determined to succeed, and they can go to positive ends to accomplish their dreams. Nigerian youths are super intelligent, and they can learn whatsoever they put their minds to. Nigerian youths have exhibited great scientific and innovative skills. We have educated and highly efficient Nigerian youths. They are also highly talented, the Afro-music industry over the years has shown the strength of the African giants, with big names such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Kiss Daniel and many more. Nigerian youths are also one of the most talented you could find in sports, from boxing, football, athletics and other kinds of sports. But these are just a fraction of Nigerian youths. SO, WHO ARE THESE LAZY YOUTHS? The 'lazy;' youths are the other fraction of Nigerian youths, the ones that don't want to work, but desire to earn. They have strong gratification towards money, and they likewise have strong desires to succeed. But these desires to succeed stem from absolute negativity and these youths are the ones that grew up in the heart of Nigerian poverty. These Nigerians, mostly 'LAGOS' boys grew up in a city where you could lose everything if you missed thinking straight in a split second. In the city of Lagos, most Nigerian youths mostly known as " Ajekpakos" had to struggle to survive, whereas the ones known as the "Ajebutters" mostly children of politicians had a leeway to succeed. So, when the internet became open to all, they made it their spot of success. As the internet became a global village, these youths honed the skills of high-tech professionals. They hacked bank accounts and went into romance scams. ARE FRAUDSTERS LAZY? This is one question that is truthfully uneasy to answer, they are technically not lazy, but morally, they are. If one cannot work legit jobs to earn like other Nigerian youths, then that is laziness. Over the years the EFCC, an agency in Nigeria charged with the responsibility of combating fraud has cracked down on several youths and uncovered huge chunks of monies amounting to millions of dollars. Some of these youths that are into fraud are mostly not based in Nigeria, they are based in Asia or the middle east. Most recently, an Instagram celebrity with huge followers that was known to be a Nigerian scammer was arrested in Dubai and extradited to the United States of America. Some of these youths have also contributed to reducing joblessness and the possibility of a starving nation. Their activities in such countries have led to Nigeria being banned from swift entry into many nations. There are Nigerians on death row in China and other nations in Asia with strong drug trafficking laws. Nigerian youths are inmates in almost a quarter of the prisons on this globe and it has given the nation a bad image in the diplomatic world. We have Nigerians that are scared of using their Nigerian passports or even being identified as Nigerians.  We have Nigerians abroad, trafficking Nigerian girls to work as commercial sex workers in parts of Europe. It is much worse within Nigeria itself; youths are into kidnappings and human rituals in exchange for money. It is due to all these factors that led to the name 'LAZY YOUTHS'. (Male and female) including Nigerian youths engaged in cross-dressing in a bid of escaping poverty. All said and done, if Nigeria has 'lazy youths' then we all know they are preceded by the loins of the elders (leaders). WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD? The way forward is to encourage the youths to showcase themselves and use their talents positively. We have Nigerian youths, youths doing Instagram skits and comedies. Nigerians are one of the best comedians in the world and with outstanding 'Nollywood' film industry. The government needs to look into projects that would budget for the youths, productive ones. There are entrepreneurial-minded Nigerian youths needing funds, they need strong mentoring and support. I'm reminded of a friend named "Obinna." a hardworking and diligent Nigerian. We used to live in the same apartment. He would wake up early in the morning and return late at night. He is the most efficient photographer I have ever seen. He spends hours perfecting his skills. He is honest and kindhearted, always minding his own business. I'm also reminded of another Nigerian whose name I cannot mention. He moved into our apartment and became our new housemate. Two weeks later, the police came to our door. He jumped down a five-Storey building, escaping the police and leaving us. When his room was searched, they found what was later proven to be harmful drugs. He was a lazy youth and a drug dealer. Two days later, he was arrested, and months later he was arraigned in court and sentenced to ten years imprisonment. He could have implicated us, but gracefully we walked out clean. So, the phrase "LAZY YOUTH" is true for a few Nigerian youths, but not in its entirety. Written by: SAMUEL TARMOH A writer and ghostwriter.

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