“An army marches on its stomach.” – Napoleon Bonaparte.
How true is that quote above, and when considered in the light of the Part 8 of this series and happenings around the world with special reference to Nigeria, we would know and see that there is perhaps no truer words with grave danger for the nation at large, because whoever is able to put food in the stomachs of the ‘out-of-school’ kids is for whom they will march. Can we see our dilemma if nothing is done fast.
The Nigerian elite, especially the politicians starve the average Nigerian of basic necessities, food inclusive, deliberately impoverishing them, so that when the impoverished masses are given food – they lose their senses and become foot soldiers of such politician(s) who is able to deliver and provide such necessities they have been starved of.
We are not talking/writing about the senseless young girl/lady who sleeps around because she wants to be at a level she has not by right attained to, or the idiotic and foolish Nigerian young man who does internet scam and other types of fraudulent activities because he wants to wear and drive certain types of clothes, shoes and cars, which he has not eligibly qualified for.
The very first of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for humans is psychological, these are basic and biological requirements for human survival, e.g. air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, sex, sleep, etc. If these needs are not satisfied the human body cannot function optimally.
And we have so large number of youth and young ones out of school and without any form of education, the question now begs; “How would such people be able to meet their basic needs?”
And because the politicians know and understand the above, they make themselves ‘god’ over the masses as providers of these basic necessities like it is not the rights of the masses, giving and providing these basic necessities more or less as gifts and handouts to them, thereby using them as political thugs and foot soldiers who would do anything for the provider of the basic needs.
Another quotation by Napoleon Bonaparte; “A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.”
Starving the youth and the masses of basic necessities of life will make them (the masses) fight for their interests as given as handouts by the elites and politicians than their rights. This probably explains why the average Nigerian youth does things and you wonder and ask “Where are his/her thinking ability and faculty…”
There is the urgent need to help the younger ones and the Nigerian youth have means and ways of meeting their basic needs through education, not just Western education, but any and all forms of education and learning that will help the youth earn and make a living, fending for him/herself without having to wait for anyone with selfish interest, such who would take advantage of their needs to put guns and weapons in the hands of the youth, especially as major elections are approaching or at any other time for that matter.
We need to find a way through various forms and ways to empower and encourage the young Nigerian to have a legitimate means of income and livelihood, so, they are independent as it were and be free from manipulations of the elite and politicians who would rather have them impoverished for their personal use and gain. Empowerment through learning; academic, vocational, trade and other ways of mentoring.
If we truly want a prosperous nation and thriving economy – this is a must do, and as a matter of urgency.
God bless you.
God bless Nigeria.
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