The title above was part of the address of Professor Toyin Falola at the 2019 2nd Distinguished Lecture of Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Professorial Chair of Governance, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
Speaking on "Governance, Citizenship and The Nigeria State" Professor Falola said African leaders especially Nigerian should "give respects to their youths and take them more seriously." He said in the advance countries of the world, youths were entrusted with leadership responsibilities and they were able to discharge them perfectly.
The Professor of African Studies who is also the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in Humanity, University of Texas, USA cited Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnambi Azikiwe and Retired General Yakubu Gowon as some of the Nigeria former leaders shouldered with leadership responsibilities in their youthful ages and were able to perform creditably.
Narrating what is happening in the foreign countries, the Professor said, the like of Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Michael Dell of Dell Computer and the incumbent President of France Emmanuel Macron were all youths while at various times were invited to take up leadership positions of their respective organisations and of their countries and they used the opportunity and their ability to advance good governance.
Coming back to Nigeria, Professor Falola said at a time when the economy of the country was being reformed in 2015 three major sectors that were driving the GDP music, movies and design industries were dominated by youths and they were doing well without support from government.
The Professor said, hardly can you go anywhere in the world without hearing the music of Davido, Flavour, Kiss Daniel, Wiz-kid and the others, saying Nigeria music and movies in particular are globally popular and well rated.
He then advised the Nigeria government to urgently do something about the country educational system stating there are a lot of illiteracy in the country. He said educational curriculum should be modify to reflect what is required of modern day students and it should be peculiar with Nigerian.
Professor Falola said the effect of education in the society includes eradicating illiteracy, curbing violence, increase productivity, enhance unity and civic understanding.
The Professor round up his address by saying Nigeria government should strive to provide adequate security for it citizens saying that the protection of life and properties is the responsibility of government without which the people lose trust, faith and hope on such governance.