A former Member who represented Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency in the 9th House of Representatives, Honourable Dachung Musa Bagos, has expressed deep concern over the hopelessness many Nigerian youths are facing today.
Bagos made this known in a chat with select journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where he emphasized his passion for molding the younger generation towards a productive future.
He lamented that many young people have lost trust and confidence in the Nigerian system, leading them to seek greener pastures outside the country.
Hon Bagos stated that though he is considered a youth, Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary is a reminder of missed opportunities. He explained that he had already crossed the age bracket in the “Not Too Young to Run” bill which set presidential eligibility at 40 years, noting that he is now heading for 50.
According to the former lawmaker, “I have been discussing with civil societies and even movers of the not too young to run bill on what confidence do the elders have on the youths to run at that particular age, what capacity can we really put on the youths to run for such offices that the bill has given them the opportunity to run? Adding, That is why my investment in the youths is basically about the future of the youths, that they should believe in the system and also believe they can do it.”
He said he was particularly disturbed by how discouragement has spread among young people. Many, he added, now openly express their frustration about the country’s situation.
“I am concerned about how youths have lost confidence in the system and are channeling their thoughts on seeking greener pastures beyond the shores of Nigeria.”
He recalled a conversation at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) where the issue of migration among youths was being discussed.
“I recall while we were having a discussion in NIPSS sometimes ago on the Nigerian youths, how they are leaving the country, how they have lost hope, low and behold, while we were having that discussion I got a message from one of my mentees, that reads ‘I am tired of Nigeria’ and I showed them the message, stating this is the reality of what is going on in the circle of the average Nigerian youth.”
Bagos stressed that the current generation of youths has not received the booster of hope that once existed. “These are the things Nigerian youths are yearning for, these things they are looking for were there once upon a time in Nigeria.”
On possible solutions, the former lawmaker said insecurity and other national challenges can be addressed if leaders return to the drawing board. He argued that Nigeria was not created with the problems it faces today, meaning they can be solved.
He also urged Nigerian youths to stay hopeful, united, and determined to shape the country’s future rather than give up on the system.
