The Role Of Youths in Democracy

Arise, O Compatriots! Someone becomes essential when he/she proves to be indispensably related to something. Youth, the strength of a nation, the life of a country and the hope of innumerable generations. Oh youth! Whose resilient is like the eagle in the sky, strong like the lion in the jungle; they are the fresh life line and future of Nigeria. Before going deep into the role of youths in Nigeria democracy, I will like to first define the terms: Who is a youth and what is democracy? Youth, according to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, can be described as the quality or state of being young.

It is a stage in the life of an individual, very crucial because it is the decision-making stage while the original understanding of democracy was exemplified by the former American president, Abraham Lincoln who defined democracy as “the government of the people by the people and for the people”. Democracy is to ensure the greatest happiness for the greatest number by guaranteeing good and responsible governance.

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As it were, democracy has become the unifying discourse which is supposed to tame national and international policies and to foster peaceful coexistence in a world set at odds by the ideological struggles of the cold war. The extent to which youths are involved in deciding on the future of their societies either directly or indirectly has a great impact on the level of cooperation and leadership. They are the foundation for the development of any country and their role in Nigeria's democracy cannot be overemphasized with the following points.

Constitutionally, putting in place a system where democratic principles abound and are observed requires a civil society where the youths are chiefly the forerunners. In the words of Atifete Jahjaga which says “Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation”. The youths stand as an epitome of justice in Nigeria society. They loath injustice and can't stand it when they see that corruption and violation of the inalienable rights of individuals is being manifested in the society. They cherish justice, equal right and their civic sense is very active. With these kinds of qualities, they can safeguard the fundamental Human Rights and they can go a long way towards arousing national consciousness. Politically, young people have much to offer societies from innovation to creatively to new thinking. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, “A great democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy”. Let me quickly inform you that it has always been the same cabals since the independence and military juntas. Our gerotrocratic rotary leaders have been playing the role of Moses, the Israelite, for the past five decades without leading us to the promise land. They haven't convinced us of their dedication, changing party allegiance when there seems to be impeding political loss. In the words of Chinua Achebe, “the trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is a nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership”.

Evidently, we know that many eligible people don't vote again as a result of incessant failed promises of our past leaders but by involving the youths in the democracy of Nigeria, it can reduces the level of political apathy in this country. It will raise the level of political consciousness through liberating the spirits and strengthening the minds of the people. Through their policy advocacy, and their active involvement in the electoral process, they can build bridges of understanding across ethnic groups, across political affiliations and religious divide which is really paramount to the political stability of Nigeria. Their participation in Nigeria's democracy will promotes active citizenship and can enhance democratic processes and institutions. They will provide in building the society's democracy on principles such as: Political Participation, Free and Fair Elections and Good Governance.

Besides, flipping back through the pages of political history in Nigeria, we can see clearly that the youths were the ones who stridently fought for the independence of this nation. As Onuoha (2001) opines, “it is significant to note that in the last days of colonial rule, it was the youth who formed the political parties, ran the press and where active participants in the independence, constitutional conference, which negotiated the terms of political independence”. One is particularly struck with the audacity, courage and a burning sense of patriotism which they exhibited. Worthy of note is Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello etc. Socio-economically, the youths are the premise of progress in every society. Evidently, youths occupy a prominent place in any society. Apart from being the owners and leaders of tomorrow, they outnumbered the middle aged and the aged. They have great educative value and can achieve splendid results in the field of expansion of education. They are the true game changers. They believe in literacy. In the words of Kofi Annan which says “Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstone of freedom, democracy and sustainable development”. Through their education, they know that the diversification of the economy is what can indubitably bring about national development. With this/these knowledge, youths are better able to make choices that support the pursuit of educational goals, equitable distribution of state resources and opportunities, gender equality etc.

A vibrant leadership should be established in order to ensure adequate management of human and national resources available in this country. In the same vein, National Youths Development Policy asserts that: “Youths are the foundation of a society. Their energies, inventions, character and orientation define the pace of development and security of a nation. Through their creative talents and labor power, a nation makes giant strides in economic development and socio-political attainments. In their dreams and hopes, a nation founds her motivation; on their energies, she builds her vitality and purpose. And because it's their dreams and aspirations, the future of a nation is assured”. The statement above acknowledges the role of youth in the peace and security of a nation.

The youth in any society are the engine of growth and development; because they provide the labor force for production of goods and services to take effect. They are also well informed and this will be of great importance in the area of unemployment by developing a future with skills that are relevant which is beneficial for a vivid and resilient democracy. Democracy and good governance can only be nurtured and sustained in an environment of peace, security and stability. In conclusion, the role of youth is sacrosanct to the whole development aspiration of Nigeria. The indefatigable words of Kofi Annan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations quench the thirst in the hearts for a brighter future which states “Youth people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If however, they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies”. No sector of the country is neglected in the decision making process; there should be wider consultation. Now is when we change the narrative! Youth's participation in democracy will utterly change the course of history; for good! They are the “STARS OF THIS COUNTRY”. The future belongs to the youths and the future is NOW!