By Temitayo Eyitayo
It is highly unfortunate that we have failed at building a civilised country where there is simple respect for the fellow countryman.
We live in a society where we have no aid from the government, but we still must survive. We live in a society where basic amenities are substandard, but still, we survive.
It is shameful that elected officials believe the citizenry they lobby to get into power should then be told what is right for them to have as a living condition even when the entire country screams of the inconveniences. Sadly, the screams of the people are what are sold during lobbying.
It’s heartbreaking to see how people struggle to get somewhat of an education, and have no job or support at the end. This leads to settling for anything to keep sane, related or unrelated to training.
A country where income is expended on living expenses, and our futures are pegged on hope, without any concrete prospects. The Nigerian dream is more of the Nigerian daydream.
The #EndSARS movement is a pointer to our elders in the society. We know what we want and unfortunately, we don’t need you to tell us anymore. We have capacity, and frankly, it is our time. Your guidance and counsel would forever be sought, but as of 2020, you hardly know what is needed for the future.
You may not believe in the youth of Nigeria, but for as much as the one person you believe in, that son or daughter, that employee or mentee, that young bright prospect that you believe will be great, believe in us all.
Stop cutting our lives short. Stop making the reason why we fear to freely go about our lives and livelihoods to be because of the ones who are meant to protect us.
#EndSARS is a call for justice. Enough of treating Nigerians like nonentities. We matter. It’s our country. We have a say.
As of now, we need more inclusion and more action. No empty promises. No insulting of intelligence or existence. From the infant to the oldest in society, we matter equally, and we must be respected as such.
Everything needs to change now.
Temitayo Eyitayo is the Chief Executive Officer, 24 Apparel Limited, as well as Soul Chow.
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