Nigerian Gen-Z, shun protest and go for other sustainable routes to address Nigeria challenges 

By Ada Anambra

Would you prefer to go out and protest by carrying placards, potentially risking injury, arrest, or even your life, while destroying government properties that the country can’t afford to rebuild?

Or would you rather use a strategic approach by engaging media strategists and influencers as per platforms, in your states to highlight neglected areas and call out your Governors, Senators, House of Representatives, and LGA Chairmen on social media from August 1st to 15th to address the issues affecting your communities, state and region?

Look at the catch with option B; you can achieve the same goal without risking lives or damaging government properties. Plus, you will make your mama and papa proud , stay alive for them, still gain recognition, impressions, and possibly earn from Elon’s dollars too.

Gen-Z, you’re lucky to live in the era of social media influence. It’s more effective to use your voices to push for change, and achieve your #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria or #EndBadGovernmentInNigeria, rather than risking your safety. We’ve seen positive feedbacks when we call out our leaders through the media.

There is no leader, you would call out consistently for two weeks with your trending hashtags on a challenge affecting your state , that won’t address the issue. This route has been trusted, tested and guaranteed to yield results.

Don’t get me wrong; you have the fundamental right to protest. But the concern arises when your favorite influencers or leaders aren’t on the same page with your good intentions for Nigeria.

While you want to express your thoughts on the country’s issues, you might not realize that some leaders are pushing for chaos and anarchy, which can be dangerous for you and the country.

With your good heart, I bet you know that there are forces beyond and inside the shores of our nation, waiting patiently for you to take to the streets and they will manifest their pre planned violence with you as victim!

Now, you have a leader (as the C-in-C) who listens to your concerns and takes action. It’s better to use your voice to address issues than to risk your life, because if you do, the problems might not get solved.

Remember, it’s not just about the national government; the state and local governments, which are closest to you and receive funds for your welfare, also need to be held accountable. Don’t just focus on the President; make sure the state and local leaders are doing their jobs too and held accountable!

It is clear that the protests in Kenya did not achieve their objectives and instead led to violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property.

Now, was the aim achieved? Reports showed many young lives were lost, government and individuals properties destroyed, unrest and many lives been lost on a daily basis as a result of the protest, with another 59 abducted or missing, and 628 others arbitrarily arrested, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

The accusations made by the Kenyan President about foreign funding of the protests only add to the complexity of the situation. It is important for protesters to carefully consider their actions and ensure that they are not being manipulated by external forces.

Now, The apology from the organizer of the protest is a serious catch and it further highlights the negative impact of the unrest on the country. It serves as a warning to those considering similar actions in Nigeria or any other country.

A word is enough for the wise!