IGBO YOUTHS: NDI NTOROBIA

The Nigerian youth is one of the most endangered human being on planet earth. He is the most hit by any political and economic policies that are made by the government.

The recent recession is a case study, where majority of young people were heavily affected, and this was due to unemployment, underemployment, hunger, lack and abject poverty.

A lot has being said and written by well-meaning Nigerians and other social commentators; on the rising unemployment profile of Nigeria which is at its all-time high. 

It is pertinent to note that, the most hit region in Nigeria when you talk of unemployment in Nigeria is the South East; Ndigbo.

The question every right thinking Igbo should be asking his or her self is, how did we get here? Before and after independence, Igbos and other Easterners constitute a large chunk of the working population in different colonial and post-colonial offices, agencies and establishments.

The trend changed immediately after the Nigerian civil war of 1967-1970 where many Igbos lost their lives, jobs and properties and were forcefully replaced by other Nigerians till date; despite the military government declaration of NO VICTOR, NO VANQUISH. We survived and rebuild our homes, villages, cities and businesses; much devastated cities like Asaba, Onitsha, Enugu, Owerri, Awka and others were rebuilt to the surprise of the watching world.

These  was a people who were left with barely nothing after the civil war, as many of them were given £20.00 irrespective of how much they had in the banks before the war. 

HOW THEY SURVIVED 

• By introduction of ‘boy-boy’, ‘odibo’ or apprentice and ‘oga’ or master system. 

• Learning of skills and art craft.

• Venturing into Agriculture. 

• Forming of community based Co-operatives and Associations, where resources are pulled to help any challenged member.

• Wealthy individuals sending their children and other members of their communities to school; some abroad. 

Thus,from the above it was obvious that it was by mere determination and community relationship, understanding and love for each other that led to the Igbos overcoming their challenges immediately after the war.

CHALLENGES OF TODAY 

• Unemployment and underemployment
• Youth restiveness
• Non-inclusiveness in the polity
• Kidnapping ,Armed Robbery, Thuggery and Cultism
• Prostitution and other social vices.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Individuals should endeavor to acquire a skill before or after senior secondary school education. 

• Stakeholders, governments, politicians, co-operate bodies and religious bodies should build industries, companies and firms.

• Members of the communities should pull resources together or through their various associations and co-operatives obtain loans or grants and build cottage industries in their communities. 

• Skill providers especially those in the construction industries should give at least 1-5% of any contract money awarded to them, to their graduate apprentice; as an act of patriotism and encouragement. 

• Governments at all levels should provide leadership and ameliorate the sufferings of the youths and not exploit them.

• Local policing system should be allowed and encouraged. 

• Youths should be encouraged to venture into agribusiness and leadership positions. 

Conclusively, the onus is on all of us if we really want to have the kind of society we desire;like our forebears. It is on this note, that I want to appreciate His Excellency the Deputy President of the Senate; Distinguish Senator (Dr). Ike Ekweremadu for his good works in Igboland especially in Enugu state with his introduction of the European Vocational School,Learn and Work scheme; and others who have the youths in their heart, I salute you all. 

David E.Ajah
Social Commentator/Analyst
writes from Enugu.
+2348063606242