There has been a lot of talk about Buhari’ s speech calling some Nigeria youth lazy . Part of the discussion has been around language used itself ; What is meant by some? Does it imply majority of Nigerian youth ? Who are the Nigerian youths? Buhari has been criticised or praised for raising this issue . My take on it is that while he was making a valid point, the point has been lost in translation , generally it was the wrong point, at the wrong place, using the wrong words.
Most leaders will not go to an international forum and criticise there citizenry using the word Buhari used . The reality is that it gives credence to other people calling Nigerians names like ‘ lazy ‘ ‘thieves’, ‘419’ and perpetuates the stereotyping of Nigerians internationally. Furthermore, it does no favour to all Africans and black people in the eyes of the world. There is a narrative that black people are lazy and that’s why they are poor. That black people are ‘ backward’ and generally have a low IQ that why the remained trapped in poverty in Africa and internationally . Buhari’s remarks in an international setting sanctions and perpetuates this narrative. The notion of calling someone lazy is linked with the idea that people lack agency therefore are where they are in life. If you are lazy and poor its your fault , mind you this narrative will include all Nigerians and indeed Africans , not just the youth . Africa is where it is people its people are lazy.
While Buhari might have a point to highlight the so –called laziness among Nigerian. This best forum will be in Nigeria and definitely not using that term. There is a problem linked with an over dependence on oil, the ‘oil curse ‘ , or more accurately the development of a mono – culture in Nigeria . This has affected Nigerian drive , motivate , skills , creativity and entrepreneurial spirit , to a large extend . However, and significantly so, this problem is begins with the ruling elites and their off – springs. It is not the youths that are ‘lazy’ the problems is a culture of expectation and undue entitlement that has developed in Nigeria. From local government staff waiting for allocations from the central government to people looking for contracts and plush jobs. This system of patronage and dependency , is enshrined as part of the tradition and culture in Nigeria. It has created the need to be corrupt and to relay on the so – called national cake.
Buhari blaming the youth misses the point, Nigerian society has developed a culture that negates creativity and entrepreneurship. A loop- sided capitalist system, worshipping money but not creating wealth , honouring corrupt accumulation of money but not true entrepreneurship. Contrary to what Buhari said it is not the youth that are at fault but the failure of the older post - colonial generation and continuous failings of the ruling elites. The majority of the youth have despite the obstacles showed resilience, creativity and entrepreneurship. Nigerian main exporting industry outside the oil sector is the music and movie industries. One of the main problems with Nigeria as highlighted by Bill Gate , is the lack of investment in education and opportunities for young people.
