Senator Ireti Kingibe has criticized Nigerian youths for complacency and unproductive criticism of leadership, sparking reactions following her remarks on youth participation in nation-building.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) lamented what she described as a passive and reactive attitude among young Nigerians.
“I have said it — Nigerian youths are complacent,” Kingibe stated. “They are quiet, all they do is grumble. We need to have constructive interactions. All I hear is grumbling and insults. That is not helpful. The country belongs to the youths, they should own it.”
Senator Kingibe expressed concern that the younger population often resorts to threats of strike actions that lack follow-through and impact.
According to her, these actions fall short of the type of proactive civic engagement required to influence change in governance.
When asked what young people should be doing differently, the Senator emphasized ownership and responsibility.
“This is your country, own it. I do not have another country, so we have to make it work. We have to do whatever is necessary to ensure that this country works for everybody,” she said.
The Senator also noted the lack of coordinated efforts to hold leaders accountable.
“I haven’t seen a concerted complaint. All I see from most people is about ‘me’. I want to see something more. I am sure other leaders want to see something. All I see are young people who complain and constantly just insult their leaders. They do not constructively engage their leaders.”
