23/01/2024
Nigerian Youth And The Misuse/Abuse of Social Media
Nigeria is a unique country, unique in many ways. We have our own ways of doing things, totally different from the rest of the world. From our rich cultural heritage to our egoistic disposition. Bring ten Africans together and a Nigerian will stands up, stands out, stands firm and stands tall. We are who we are and we are proud of who we are.
Nigerians, particularly the young, energetic and innovative youths have proven that perhaps, they are the solution to the mountain of problems plaguing our dear country. The younger generation have proven over and again that there is hope for this country, that there is light at the end of the tunnel as the only areas where Nigeria seem to be making waves are areas totally neglected by the government and it is being made to flourish due to the ingenuity and sagacity of the powerful youths. Talk of the music industry, creative Art, sports, ICT and content creation. The creativity, doggedness, innovative mind set of a typical Nigerian youth will always manifest either home or abroad.
As productive and inquisitive as we can be however, the display of lack of patriotism and flagrant disregard for our dear country as daily exhibited by some, is not only disappointing, it's equally disheartening. We are now in a jet age where with just a click of a botton and within seconds, what is happening in a your locality will be known by the rest of the world.
The advent of social media has bridged many gaps and made the world truly a global village. As potent and powerful as the social media is, its disheartening to note that some disgruntled Nigerians are using it to demarket the country rather than promote it. It is a known fact, particularly after the 2023 general elections, some people are not happy with the outcome and these sets of people have not failed to show their disdain towards the government and everything it represents. They are happy and quick to post negative news than to positively project the country.
It is not an over statement that these sets of people are happy with bad news, quickly heaping the blame on government. But anytime the same government makes a positive move and achievements, they will rather down play it or totally ignore it.
Not too long ago, certain parts in London experienced power interruptions and a Nigerian went online to say that "na because Nigerians too plenty here na him make them take light". What does being a Nigerian got to do with the technical problem that led to their electrical problem? Are Nigerians the only people in the UK?
We should not also forget the BBC interview granted by another Nigerian by the name Tiamiyu Emdee where he said that Nigerians traveling to the UK via student visa are not doing it because of education rather, as a means of moving their families out of the country. Thanks to him, effective 1st January, 2024, UK has now cancelled the policy; affecting not only Nigerians but also other nationalities. Mind you, this was the same route he (Tiamiyu) used in relocating his family. Why do we always love pulling the ladders once we get to the top and preventing other people from enjoying the same benefits/privileged we enjoyed? We need to critically look inwards.
A quick search on Google shows Indians are way more than Nigerians in the immigration journey. You would never see an Indian posting or making negative comments about their country or compatriots. It is only Nigerians.
If by tomorrow the Britons start attacking our people, we are the ones that would be shouting of racism, xenophobia and Afrophobia forgetting the rubbish we have posted about ourselves, our country and how we have projected ourselves.
It's a new year and it's high time we change our disposition. We need to understand that social media is a strong weapon and a double edged sword that can be either positively or negatively used. Nigeria is our home and we gave gotten no where else to call home.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu , Seyi Makinde , Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila , Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu , Mudashiru Obasa , Seyi Tinubu Grassroots Foundation , Godswill Obot Akpabio , Reno Omokri , Remi Tinubu , Kashim Shettima , Jimi Disu , Tobi Salako , Dapo Abiodun , Akinwunmi Tosin Daniel ,
