The impact of politics, sports and music on Nigerian youth is undeniable and far reaching. Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa with over 200 million people and is home to the world’s youngest population with over 70% of the population under the age of 25. Nigerian youth are known for their enthusiasm, hope and confidence, and this energy has been channeled into various areas including sports, music and politics.
In this article we will look at how these elements have impacted Nigerian youth and the associated achievements, mistakes and learning points.
Firstly, the policy has had a significant impact on Nigerian youth. With such a young population, it is not surprising that young people take an active role in politics and are willing to participate in decision-making processes. Despite the political corruption and mismanagement that plagues Nigeria, there is still a high level of participation in politics among youth. In the 2019 election, more than 67% of people ages 18-24 registered to vote, demonstrating just how engaged young people are in the political process. However, the impact of the policy on young Nigerians is not entirely positive; corruption, malpractice and ethical misconduct have been issues linked to the political process. Young people are aware of this and are willing to fight for a better and more transparent system. There is a strong sense of idealism among young people who seek to go beyond the status quo and create a better future for themselves and the country as a whole. However, mistakes have been made and there have been times when young Nigerians have gone too far and become too politicized.
This is particularly evident in some aspects of the education system, as students increasingly focus on engaging in political debate and activism rather than pursuing their studies. Therefore, a key learning point for young Nigerians is trying to find a balance between political engagement and academic study. This can be achieved by finding ways to incorporate politics into academic activities, such as discussing social issues and participating in writing political essays. Secondly, sports have had a great influence on Nigerian youth. There are a wide variety of sports enjoyed by young Nigerians such as football, basketball, and cricket. Nigerian sportsmen have achieved great success with Nigeria being African champions in both football and basketball. The country also won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics. Nigerian youth have been inspired by the success of the nation’s athletes and have become increasingly involved in physical activities. There has been an increase in interest in organized sports, as well as informal exercise, and sports have become an important part of young people’s social lives. The impact of sports on Nigerian youth has been mainly positive, with many citing increased physical health, self-confidence and social relationships as benefits to be gained from sports. However, some mistakes have been made, such as the lack of facilities and resources available in the poorest parts of the country. This has meant that young people from these areas have not had the same opportunities as those from richer areas and this has generated inequalities in terms of access to sport. A key learning point here is the need to ensure that all areas of the country have access to the same resources, be it sports or education. This can be achieved by investing in sports facilities in the poorest areas and by ensuring that more people have access to educational opportunities.
Third, music has been a major source of influence for Nigerian youth. Hip-hop, gospel, and afrobeat are just a few of the popular music genres among young people. Music has become an integral part of Nigerian youth culture, providing an outlet for self-expression and creativity.
The impact of music on Nigerian youth has been both positive and negative. On one hand, music is credited with bringing people together and creating a sense of community and harmony among young people. This has been especially evident during the #Endsars movement, with musicians producing powerful songs that spoke to the struggles of youth. However, some negative aspects of music have also been identified, such as certain music genres that promote misogynistic and homophobic views. Ultimately, a key learning point for young Nigerians is to be savvy consumers of music and to be aware of the impact that the music they consume can have on their beliefs, attitudes and behaviours.
In general, politics, sports and music have had an undeniable impact on Nigerian youth and the achievements, mistakes and learning points associated with these elements are extremely important. Young Nigerians should strive to create a balance between these elements, as well as being aware of the impact each can have on their lives.
Post Views: 561
