Nigerian youths, the lesson is Nepal

Nigerian youths, the lesson is Nepal

By Thomas Thomas

When history records the turning points of nations, it is never the old order that shapes destiny; it is always the courage of the young. Just a few days ago, in faraway Nepal, a generation of restless young people, ostensibly disgusted by corruption, nepotism, and leadership failure, rose with one voice to say “enough.” They poured into the streets, not because they were bribed, not because a political godfather hired them, but because they understood a simple truth: the future belongs to those who demand it. Their resistance forced Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli to resign, and the youth coalition, joined by civil society and even the Army, compelled the President to appoint Sushila Karki, a respected former Chief Justice, as interim Prime Minister. Parliament was dissolved, elections were promised, and a corrupt order was shaken to its core.

Nigerian youths, are you watching? Are you listening? Do you understand what this means?

Nepal’s young people did not wait for miracles. They did not fast and pray, or wait for their pastors to hear from God and communicate to them what they should do. They did not sell their conscience for a bag of rice or a crumpled ₦5,000. They did not stand idle while their leaders mortgaged their future. They acted, and very boldly, sacrificially, and in unity. Because of that action, their voices became the thunder that no government could silence.

Here in Nigeria, our destiny also lies in our hands. Yet too often, youths, who make up more than 60% of the population, become tools in the hands of selfish politicians. Too often, they trade their votes for pittance, forgetting that the same vote could determine whether schools will work, whether jobs will exist, whether hospitals will save lives, or whether the nation will keep bleeding.

Let it be clear: no amount of money a politician gives you during elections can equal the cost of four wasted years under bad governance. When you collect that envelope, you are not just selling your vote, you are auctioning your dignity, your right to speak, and the future of your children yet unborn.

Nepal has shown us that when young people unite with purpose, corrupt systems tremble. Nigerian youths must learn this lesson, and quickly. The power is not in the hands of the corrupt elite; the power is in the collective will of the people. Every protest you refuse to join, every election you boycott, every time you stay silent in the face of injustice, you are choosing to remain a slave in your own country.

The destiny of Nigeria is not sealed. It is waiting for her young people to wake up. It is waiting for students, artisans, graduates, tech innovators, farmers, musicians, and activists to rise and say: “No more.” It is waiting for youths in Lagos, Kano, Aba, Jos, Abuja, Maiduguri, Uyo, and the rest of the cities and villages to resist the crumbs of corrupt politicians and demand the bread of justice, dignity, and opportunity.

If Nepal’s youths could bring down a Prime Minister and force a nation to rethink its future, why can’t Nigeria’s youths reform their own country? Why should the “Giant of Africa” remain crippled by bad leadership when its young people possess the strength, creativity, and numbers to change the story?

This is a wake-up call. The time of excuses is over. Nigerian youths must refuse to be rented crowds. They must refuse to be political thugs. They must refuse to sell their tomorrow for a bowl of porridge today. The fate of this nation lies in their hands.

Nepal has lit a torch. Nigeria’s youth must carry it.
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Nota Bene: This is my personal opinion, it does not represent any of the offices I’m currently occupying. Thus, all correspondence should be addressed to Thomas Thomas, Tuskers Republic, Uyo.