Protests: Young people cannot and should not be patient — Archbishop Onaiyekan

• Nigerian youth increasingly raise their voices, demanding reform and action from leaders to shape the country’s future
• Cardinal Onaiyekan encourages youth to continue pursuing peace and development, while urging leaders to engage and support them genuinely

Amid ongoing protests and national uncertainty, Nigeria’s youth are increasingly raising their voices, demanding change and action from those in positions of power.

As the world recently observed International Youth Day, the call for reform has become more urgent, focusing now on Nigeria’s young people to shape the country’s future. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Vanguard, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, offered his thoughts on the vital role of the youth in driving change and the responsibilities of leaders in empowering them.

With years of experience and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s challenges, Cardinal Onaiyekan shared his insights on the potential of the nation’s youth and the path forward.

Can Nigeria’s young people be the catalyst for change amidst growing unrest?

Cardinal Onaiyekan praised the efforts of young Nigerians who are striving for peace and development. He encouraged them to continue pursuing these goals, drawing strength from their religious values.

What is preventing Nigeria’s leaders from fully harnessing the energy and creativity of the youth?

According to Onaiyekan, young people are eager to contribute to the nation’s peace and development but have not been given the necessary attention, space, or encouragement by those in power.

Is the government’s call for patience from young people a potential recipe for disaster?

Onaiyekan was clear in his response: “Young people cannot and should not be patient.” He emphasized that youth have always been at the forefront of change throughout history and should continue to demonstrate their eagerness to improve the country.

What steps should Nigeria’s leadership take to effectively engage with its young population?

He said leaders must recognize young people’s natural desire to achieve their goals. They should create an environment where young people can work and succeed and actively listen to their concerns.

Can Nigeria’s economy be revived, and what role can young people play?

Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed the importance of creating wealth by providing opportunities for young people to work with both their hands and minds. He urged the government to genuinely listen to the youth and understand how best to support them, calling for sincerity in leadership rather than empty promises.

Are government programs aimed at young people genuine efforts or mere tokenism?

Onaiyekan highlighted the skepticism many young people feel towards government programs, stating that many have never seen these initiatives. He called for genuine efforts to provide avenues for youth success, rather than mere token gestures like distributing small amounts of money.

Will the government’s response to protests, such as introducing CNG buses, be enough to quell the unrest?

The Cardinal expressed doubts, suggesting that initiatives like CNG buses may not effectively address the deeper concerns raised by the youth. He argued for a more comprehensive approach, urging the government to utilize resources like gas to create energy and job opportunities for young people.