It is possible to build a trademark in any enterprise but what stands higher is the product/service capacity to withstand the tidal wave action occasioned by challenging times. It is not surprising reading from the holy scripture on our work individually being subjected to test in an effort to determine its true State. In my village years back came a garri seller who prided his product (garri) by passionately announcing same ‘as eji ofe eri’ translated as garri that can be eaten without soup. Indeed, he made fortunes as his popularity soared due to consistency in product delivery. Also, existed along side are persons who felt that the surest path to success remain deceit or temporary gains that never lasted.
The above conditions depicts situations and further illustrate what good thinking, conviction, commitment, honesty and passion could deliver and the promises of good return on investment, overtime. It is the same principle that has placed known global brands ahead and would continue to stabilize them even in times of stiff competition. The Holy Scripture gave us insight with illustration of different soils and the outcome of seeds that fell on them.
Obviously, Youth Activism suggests deploring the best part of our abilities to demonstrate believe in the future well desired. It is a time one should jettison short term returns for long term investment that could help us enjoy our later years while never holding doubts on the fate of our coming generation. It is a time of greatest decision remembering that we would someday be led into Witness box for an accounting.
However, it is disturbing watching my fellow youths in Imo State being tossed about in this surging river of deceit that seems to have drowned numerous with their talents. Ours remain Youth Activism built along Political Party blocs demanding one to accept unimaginable on the alter of loyalty. Indeed, it is a house without necessary structural works to sustain its existence and the outcome can easily be calculated by men/women whose value bank have kept on the growth path. The form of Youth activism seen rest on who is doling out the funds toward servicing the stomach, or the taste for temporary enjoyment of alcoholic beverages. So, it is never surprising to see assumed Comrades jump from one Political aspirant to another. This switch in gears among the masquerading Youth Activists may not be predicted on clear and objective fault lines of what the Aspirant lags behind in especially in content and Character. It is purely on the new aspirant’s readiness to oil the war machines of personal interest. Mind you! I have never been an advocate of blind followership that stops one from taking positive decisions. In the same way I have not tried obstructing one from joining Political Party or hob-nobing with a Politician/Aspirant as they remain personal issues but would pose questions over its contributions to productive life and value addition especially to our generation.
Where lies our desired future which to some of my fellow youths was taken away by the older generation of Nigerians and which we so much have dreamt to correct? I was held to my seat listening to a recent situation where graduate Youths were chasing some assumed Political godfathers, hailing them in loud voices, clearing right of way in a manner that reminds one of the lords of the bus-stops, Agberos.
Moreso, one may be tempted to ignore most programmes packaged by the Youths in continuation of the 2015 elections going by the deceit noticed. It is assumed to change the orientations of the Youths towards better elections but have ended serving as venue to arm- twist politicians/Aspirants to part with funds which most often have divided the organizers the more. The journey is often elaborated with occasioned disagreements in the sharing formula adopted. In a recent situation I could hear questions like, who gave the biggest donation. Why didn’t you reach him earlier to prepare grounds and further push others to do more? We must visit the rest who never honoured our invitation? For a fact, there was no mention on the content and mechanisms towards evaluating the impact of same programme on the participants and yet, some still believed that there would exist a paradigm shift from the past elections.
It is not out of place seeing Youths on the guise of Activism carry placards or posters of Political aspirants dancing to lyrics for a fee and yet, we are made to believe that our youths are prepared for better electoral processes.
On the Social media platforms especially the ones on Imo state happenings, it is possible to notice post of same youth swing from one Political Aspirant to another in what some persons alleged to be a product of who is paying what and stepping up payment. Indeed, little is said about content and character of the Aspirants and his/her intended programme expected to change the sociopolitical cum economic sphere.
Now, do we regard Youth Activism as a situation where persons take temporary comfort in hotels? Is it about Political lining negating superior argument? Or, an opportunity to abuse any with contrary opinion even when you are unwilling to investigate same?
Truly, a disconnect exists in the present river of our Youth Activism demanding a rise to change its course for good. I do not mean that every youth in Imo State tolls this line but what happens when majority seems to have taken same as place of refuge. My generation must realize the enormous task ahead and build their productive capacity. Politics remains a vocation rather career and any who would stand the turbulence of our World must seek a good handshake with talent.
Untill then.
Ogwazu Nnamdi