Oni Oluwasina laments leadership failure, collapsing institutions, and rising poverty, urging Nigerian youths to take charge of national renewal.

Nigeria, at 65 years of independence, is facing deep and troubling challenges that continue to raise concerns among citizens. In a strongly worded reflection, writer Oni Oluwasina describes the country as one overwhelmed by insecurity, economic hardship, and systemic failure despite its vast human and natural resources.

He argues that Nigeria’s most pressing problem remains leadership failure, which he says has allowed insecurity to spread across different regions of the country. According to him, kidnappings, terrorism, and violent attacks have become frequent occurrences, making road travel increasingly dangerous in many parts of the nation. He noted that many Nigerians now avoid long-distance road journeys due to safety concerns, relying instead on air travel where possible.

Oluwasina expressed concern that while communities across states such as Kwara, Benue, Ekiti, Ondo, Borno, and Plateau continue to suffer repeated attacks, political leaders remain more focused on future elections than addressing the immediate security crisis.

On the economic front, the writer, who identifies as an economist, criticised government policies and the handling of subsidy removal, which he said has worsened inflation and deepened poverty. He alleged that corruption remains widespread across all levels of government, preventing meaningful development despite Nigeria’s wealth in natural resources.

He further lamented the absence of basic infrastructure such as stable electricity, good roads, and access to clean water, describing the country as one that is rich in resources but poor in results. According to him, systemic corruption has weakened every sector of the economy, leaving citizens to bear the burden of hardship and uncertainty.

The writer also highlighted challenges in the education and healthcare sectors. He noted that the cost of tertiary education has become increasingly unaffordable for many families, while healthcare facilities remain underfunded and overstretched. He expressed concern that even major public hospitals reportedly struggle with shortages of essential drugs and equipment, forcing patients to seek alternatives outside government facilities.

Oluwasina also criticised what he described as the decline of meritocracy in Nigeria’s governance and public service. He argued that competence has been replaced by tribalism, nepotism, and political patronage, resulting in inefficiency and poor service delivery. According to him, many qualified individuals remain unemployed while less qualified persons occupy key positions in government and institutions.

He further described what he called a “culture of silence and complicity,” where citizens are encouraged to pray for the country while those responsible for poor governance continue to enjoy privileges and access to better living conditions abroad.

Despite his criticism, Oluwasina directed a strong message to Nigerian youths, urging them to take responsibility for shaping the future of the country. He said young people must stop being passive observers and begin to actively engage in civic and economic development.

He encouraged youths to use their voter’s cards as tools for accountability in future elections, develop practical skills for economic independence, and participate in community organisation and advocacy. He also warned against falling into crime or destructive behaviour as a response to hardship, stressing the importance of discipline and integrity.

He further advised that whether staying in Nigeria or travelling abroad, young Nigerians should focus on contributing positively through knowledge, investment, and active engagement in nation-building.

Oluwasina concluded that Nigeria’s future depends on the emergence of an organised, educated, and determined youth population capable of demanding accountability and driving meaningful change.