Mohammed Aliyu Mairubutu
Three decades ago, in KinNupe, people built their houses without fences and slept peacefully, without fear of thieves. The land was known for its culture, tradition, peace, and security. The Nupe youths were hardworking, with a love for farming and education as the flags of their identity. There were no extensive cases of motorcycle snatching or mobile phone theft. Sycophancy and thuggery were unheard of.
However, today, the passion for education and productive work has dwindled due to a lack of motivation from families, elders, communities, and government leaders. Buildings spring up daily, but youths no longer aspire for education or acquiring skills because they lack discipline and incentives from their families and society. They prefer idleness over education, choosing to engage in cyber fraud instead of pursuing careers as computer engineers.
Regrettably, things are no longer the same. Parents no longer take proper care of their children or inquire about the source of their wealth and activities. Children now own expensive gadgets, ride motorcycles, and wear costly clothes without any visible means of income, and yet no one questions or cautions them.
Government leaders have also failed to address the situation. Rather than sponsoring youths’ education, providing job opportunities, or empowering them with skills and entrepreneurship, they have transformed them into political thugs and sycophants for their own selfish gains.
Let me pause and ask you: Do you think there can be happiness when the youths in your area are not well engaged? I will give you time to ponder that.
It is evident that something must be done before we completely lose our glory. Leaders must not turn a blind eye and neglect the engagement of youths in our land. None of us will be safe when the entire environment is polluted. We must join hands to cleanse our land.
No society can flourish without actively engaging its youths. Neglecting the youth poses a great threat to family harmony and hinders the development of the land.
Youths require special attention, guidance, and provision from both their families and society. They are the backbone of every family and the bedrock of every nation.
Parents must not feed their children without engaging them. When children are fed without an emphasis on education and skill training, they grow up to be a nuisance in society, constantly demanding money even when their parents are old or retired. This, in turn, leads to the selling off of family property and theft in the neighborhood.
The government and parents may have various ways to engage youths, but the most effective approach is through guidance and empowerment. To avoid breaking, we must bend the fish while it is still fresh. It is easier to teach young people than to change the established behaviors and thought processes of adults.
We can shape their outlook, beliefs, and values, helping them become well-rounded individuals. Influencing their character traits and skills development will make them self-reliant.
Education plays a vital role in youth engagement. The government should provide affordable and quality education that fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and values such as honesty, respect, diligence, and empathy.
Introducing youths to various activities and vocational skills, such as tailoring and building, will divert their attention from committing crimes. Sports and other creative or physical activities will provide them with avenues for self-expression, self-reliance, and self-esteem. These activities also promote teamwork and the benefits of healthy physical and mental habits.
In conclusion, if we desire a crime-free society, we must start by creating a nurturing environment at home and in society. Youth must be given a safe space where they are loved, cared for.