Pat Utomi Slams Government Treatment of Nigerian Youths: A Closer Look
Political economist Professor Pat Utomi has criticized successive Nigerian governments for their treatment of the nation’s youth, stating that they have been repeatedly treated “like idiots.”
In a recent interview, Utomi emphasized that for the upcoming national youth conference planned by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to be effective, leaders must first acknowledge their past failures, apologize to the youth, and commit to building trust.
He highlighted the importance of governments being trustworthy and fulfilling their promises to rebuild credibility with young people.
Utomi also noted that many of Nigeria’s early leaders were young themselves, particularly during military rule, but over time, a new class system emerged, leading to the marginalization of the youth.
He stressed that any government seeking to rebuild trust must start by recognizing the lack of trust between leaders and the youth.
Utomi proposed that governments should build trust by consistently fulfilling their promises, thereby making deposits in what he referred to as an “emotional bank account.”
He emphasized that sincerity and commitment to change are essential for any meaningful engagement with the youth.
Utomi’s remarks come ahead of the national youth conference planned by the current administration, underscoring the need for genuine efforts to address the concerns of Nigerian youths.
He believes that acknowledging past mistakes and committing to building trust are crucial steps toward meaningful engagement with the youth.
Utomi’s critique serves as a call to action for Nigerian leaders to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of young people in the nation’s governance and development processes.
He argues that without building trust and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the youth, initiatives like the national youth conference may not yield the desired outcomes.
Utomi’s insights highlight the importance of trust, sincerity, and consistent action in rebuilding the relationship between the Nigerian government and its youth.
He calls for a shift in how the government engages with young people, emphasizing the need for honesty and a commitment to fulfilling promises.
Utomi’s statements reflect a broader concern about the marginalization of youth in Nigeria and the need for systemic changes to address their grievances.
He urges the government to take concrete steps to build trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being and development of Nigerian youths.
Utomi’s critique underscores the urgency of addressing the disconnect between the government and the youth to foster a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
He believes that by acknowledging past mistakes and committing to building trust, the government can pave the way for more effective youth engagement and participation in national development.
Utomi’s insights serve as a reminder of the critical role that trust and sincerity play in governance, particularly in engaging with the youth who represent the future of the nation.
He calls for a paradigm shift in how the government interacts with young people, emphasizing the need for honesty, commitment, and consistent action to rebuild trust and foster meaningful engagement.
Utomi’s statements highlight the importance of addressing the concerns of Nigerian youths and involving them in the nation’s governance and development processes to ensure a more inclusive and prosperous future.
He believes that by building trust and demonstrating a genuine commitment to change, the government can create an environment where young people feel valued and empowered to contribute to national development.
Utomi’s critique serves as a call to action for Nigerian leaders to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of young people, recognizing their potential as drivers of positive change in the country.
He emphasizes that without building trust and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the youth, initiatives like the national youth conference may not yield the desired outcomes, underscoring the need for sincerity and consistent action from the government.
Utomi’s insights highlight the critical role of trust, sincerity, and consistent action in rebuilding the relationship between the Nigerian government and its youth, calling for a shift in how the government engages with young people to foster a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
He urges the government to take concrete steps to build trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being and development of Nigerian youths, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging past mistakes and committing to change.
Utomi’s critique underscores the urgency of addressing the disconnect between the government and the youth to foster a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria, calling for systemic changes to address their grievances and involve them in the nation’s governance and development processes.
He believes that by building trust and demonstrating a genuine commitment to change, the government can create an environment where young people feel valued and empowered to contribute to national development, paving the way for more effective youth engagement and participation.