Wikipedia defines civic engagement thus “the encouragement of the general public to become involved in the political process and the issues that affect them”.
In the recent past there has been an agitation by youths to be part of the process of leadership in Nigeria, this is quite commendable. During the last elections we noticed movements like #30%OrNothing amongst others as a way of having a voice within their various political parties; an indication that this generation of youths have realised that leadership is not given to people while they 'rock away' in beer parlours or snoring in the confines of their bedrooms.
While one may be tempted to celebrate the level of awareness of the youthful population on issues around them, it is appalling to note that in the quest to be noticed(for whatever menial responsibilities) many youths especially on social media have thrown caution to the wind. In the name of engagement, people have said things I am certain their families would be ashamed of(if they ever heard/read them).
Recently a group of mostly 'careless talkers' was assembled in the name of volunteers for the president's media team(i still do not understand their functions, but then people need to be made to feel important while being continuously used to perform task the kids of their bosses will never perform). With this sort of 'reward' for a display of unparalled naviety, ignorance and illmanners, many more people are bound to further mistake irresponsibility as civic engagement.
The participation of the Nigerian youth is a sine qua non to the attainment of sustainable human development. While the opportunities for these engagements in all spheres may be few, the fact remains that many youths lack the ability to engage one another without resorting to the use of abusive words.
The 2015 international youth day aims to draw awareness to the importance of youth civic engagements and it's attendant benefits, and also to encourage youths to contribute to societal development in whatever little corner they find themselves; but first for all these efforts to be successful youths must be encouraged to engage responsibly. Will your children be proud of what you have said to be 'recognized' if they ever come across your speeches? The voices of the youths must be heard as leaders of today, tomorrow and the future - saying the 'right' things not just empty rantings that further destroy instead of rebuilding.
The major youths organisations in the country have to wake up to the challenge of mobilising their peers towards responsible civic engagement rather than running around political office holders for crumbs, even if it means betraying their followers/members. As a new political era has begun, youthful participation is necessary and should be encouraged. People must learn to restrain themselves at least for the sake of posterity; not everything on onesmind ought to be made public. The gains of talking carelessly may appear enormous now but in the long run, no body wants to be associated with someone who cannot bridle his/her tongue, no matter how intelligent.
HAVE A LOVELY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION.
Enenim Ubon tweets from @EnenimUbon
