I wasn't too sure the title to give this post but anyway here we are. I guess anything goes ; so let's get down to business.
I know youth unemployment is no longer news in Nigeria. It's something that we all have come to accept, something we've gotten so used to, and probably, something that would remain an integral part of the Nigerian society if fast action isn't taken as soon as possible. Government has a very big role to play to avert unemployment but at the same time I feel those involved have a bigger role to play in breaking themselves free from the clutches of unemployment. It's sad that these days we all wait for the 'government' to do virtually everything for us- from providing jobs, feeding us and our families, providing social amenities (which of course we expect to enjoy FOC), to catering for most of our needs. Infact the list is just endless.
It pains me when I see a young university graduate or a healthy young guy/girl sitting at home and lamenting about the sorry state of affairs of the Nigerian nation. Yes! I'm aware of the fact that white-collar jobs are hard to come by and getting the kind of jobs we often desire are based on the 'who-you-sabi' syndrome, I'm also aware of the fact that hustling in Nigeria requires a lot of patience, perseverance, determination and sheer doggedness just like I'm aware of the dwindling nature of the country's economy. But I feel this shouldn't be an excuse for youths to dedicate themselves to laziness as they curse and blame the government for their woes.
We all heard about the bizarre immigration recruitment test in Abuja sometime last year where thousands of young graduates lost their lives( some were injured) as they came to take a recruitment test that later resulted in a stampede. Well, few days ago I saw in the news that some of those who 'survived' that test came out to protest the FG's inaction concerning the matter whilst others demanded they be given jobs to compensate for all they went through. That really got me thinking. How long would these guys keep blaming the government for their woes, how long would they fold their arms and wait for the government to come to their rescue, and how long will Buhari continue to be the reason for their joblessness. Not like I totally blame them though but I feel helping ourselves first should be paramount before we begin to seek help from other sources. Whatever happened to skills acquisition, blue-collar jobs, self development, etc??
It's a pity that majority of Nigerian youths know nothing outside the 'book' they were sent to school to learn. While you're studying that book in school, developing yourself or learning a skill / trade wouldn't hurt anyone. Who knows when it would come in handy. You think celebrity designers like Mai Atafo, Toju Foyeh, and Lanre Da Silva Ajayi all started out big? Not at all. Infact all of them are tailors - only that their consistency, love/passion for what they do, and patience gave them the 'swag' they have today. This world doesn't end with 'book' jare(it's very important though). Please let's embrace creativity, hard work, perseverance, and continuous self-development as these are very only but a few of the traits needed to achieve our goals and realise even our tallest dreams.
Let's go out there and make something out of nothing!!
P.S: For those waiting for the #5,000 Buhari promised unemployed youths, I'll gladly help you with a bottle of Coke and Popcorn to entertain yourselves while you wait because it's really going to be a long wait.
#AcquireASkillToday.
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