Nigeria became independent in 1960 with great hope. Our parents believed they were building a nation that would grow stronger with each generation. But somewhere along the line, things did not go as planned. Systems became weak, leadership lost direction, and corruption crept in.
Today, many people from our generation feel frustrated. Some even say we are an “unfortunate generation.” They believe those before us held on to power for too long, leaving little space for others. They say unless you have strong connections, you cannot find your place.
But let’s be honest, is that the full story?
While the system has not always been fair, we must also ask ourselves: what efforts have we made to be part of it? How many of us attend ward meetings? How many have joined a political party beyond election periods? How many are willing to start small and grow?
More importantly, how many of us even have a voter’s card?
In a country of over 200 million people, about 93 million registered to vote in the last general elections. Out of this number, only about 24 million people avoted.
Think about that.
The majority of Nigerians did not vote, yet many are the loudest when it comes to complaining.
Even more concerning is this: many educated people, the middle class, and even the wealthy often stay away from the polling units. They believe their vote does not matter, or that politics does not concern them. Meanwhile, politicians focus their campaigns on rural and underserved communities where they know votes will come from.
But the truth is simple, when you don’t show up you give others the power to decide for you. Silence at the polling unit is louder than noise on social media.
We cannot continue to sit on the fence. If we choose not to participate, we weaken our voice and our influence. Real change demands more than opinions, it requires action.
It is easy to complain from the outside. It is harder to step in and take responsibility.
We cannot continue to criticise leaders and expect change without playing our part. Real change comes from participation – from the grassroots to the top. Politics is not something you jump into overnight. It takes patience, learning, and consistency.
The truth is, it is not too late for anyone. If people in their 70s and 80s are still leading, then being 40, 50, or even 60 is not a limitation. It is an advantage. Experience and wisdom matter.
We also need to change our mindset. When good people stay away because they believe “everything is bad,” they leave the space open for the wrong people to dominate.
Our generation is educated. We understand the problems. But understanding is not enough; participation is what makes the difference. If you don’t vote, you have already voted for whoever wins.
If we truly want a better Nigeria, we must move from criticism to contribution. Start from your ward. Get your voter’s card. Show up on election day. Get involved. Support credible leaders. Build relationships. Offer solutions. And when the time comes, step forward.
Something must be done, and it must be done now.
Nigeria will not fix itself. It will be fixed by people who are ready to get involved.
So no, our generation is not unfortunate. We are simply a generation that must rise, take responsibility, and be part of the change we desire.
