My Quote: "When your leaders have refused to help you succeed and create prosperity in the nation, it is only wise you take your destiny in your own hands and shame them with your success".
In Nigeria, as children we are bombarded everyday in school about how we are the 'leaders of tomorrow', this seems appealing to us. Some of us are glad that someday when we become adults we can finally take the leadership mantle and help make our nation great.
19years later after graduating from University; that quote slowly seem to be just words that have zero meaning to the old men in the nation.
Mr A who is a President when John, an infant was in day care is still in politics acting as either a Senator or a cabal controlling the sitting president. You see, Mr A was suppose to have made it easy for John's generation to take over from him but all Mr A fought for was to remain in power until he dies and Mr A also intentionally keeps John from prospering so he doesn't have to challenge Mr A's leadership position and to make things worse; all Mr A does is steal money meant for development and leave the nation underdeveloped.
You see, about 10years ago, Youths in Africa who have tried hard to get jobs and live their lives; seeing how that is also very hard due to bad governance; many just settled for simply singing praise songs for politicians who have ruined them so the politicians can give them pennies to eat- That is called, feeding a slave after starving him for so many days just to show him you are in charge.
Fast forward that today and the story is different; while we still have many African Youths still in mental slavery; so many more have stood up- said enough is enough and decided to take their destiny in their own hands.
From Kenya to Ghana, From Nigeria to Ethiopia et al, African Youths are being creative and creating wealth and prosperity for themselves where the government have failed. With no help from the government, they are able to overcome the challenges. Some of this African Youths have realized that if they do not stand up to make their continent great on their own; then their leaders definitely wont as they are selfish and more interested in living Africa under developed for their own selfish interest. You see, in Nigeria, some politicians do not want to build a functioning fuel refinery because then they wont be able to embezzle money in name of fuel importation or help grow agriculture because of how much they steal in the name of rice importation.
Youths in Kenya are being innovative; creating ways to light up the nation and advancing in technology, Youths in Ghana are moving towards technology development and in Nigeria entrepreneurship, agriculture and ICT development is on the rise. They no longer want to wait for the government to create opportunities for them and most importantly; some of this Youths are also trying hard to create innovative ways to fight poverty, disease and famine- Something the leaders have failed to do.
#IDecidedToFightForAfrica
Just like many other African Youths racing to change the continent, i was determined to also push for change. As a Nigerian Youth; seeing how poverty and Youths unemployment are on the rise, Just like other African Youths seeking progress, i launched a charity skill acquisition program aimed creating wealth and changing lives; this was done without any financial support from government or NGO. It was tough but i believed in the dream i had even when it seemed impossible at that time. Against all odds, i went on to impact hundreds of Nigerian Youths- Girls and Boys alike. Helping them become self employed and pushing them a step away from crime that may occur due to poverty.
When some Nigerians lamented recession and poverty; i knew it was time for the Youths to take charge and make a change. Apart from the entrepreneurial program, i went on to launch website that also aims at creating wealth and promoting Nigerian made goods and services...I needed to show Nigerian Youths that if the leaders have failed us; then we must not fail ourselves as once we let the frustration of bad governance get to us; we slowly create a gateway to ruin our life. Many African Youth are racing to change the continent and if you; as an African is still awaiting for when your government helps you.. You might as well give up and crawl back into a hole till eternity.
We tell our stories to inspire people so they know that sometimes your dream might seem hard to achieve but it is not impossible. You need to be determined and realize that even if no one helps you; keep being hopeful for someday you will look back and be glad you never gave up.
Picture: "Poor African Child keeping the faith"
Africa is on the rise and the Youths are driving the change with or without their government. Be the Change you seek.
Like i quoted earlier: "When your leaders have refused to help you succeed and create prosperity in the nation, it is only wise you take your destiny in your own hands and shame them with your success"
By Eedris Chijoke Ngene
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