Opinion
In Support Of Youth Creativity
Currently, there is a group of Nigerian youths, mostly university students, going by the nomenclature of Creative Base, with Rivers State as its starting point. As the name implies, creative base is a creative-activity-based group of youth movement, whose driving impetus is to motivate youth persons to channel the generative energy into creative and productive ventures. Thus the group combines modern information and communications technology with religious activities. Unlike some youth movements that resort to activism or proselytism out of frustration. Creative base is an inspiring youth movement.
Creativity as different from productivity, is the quality of being proactive, ability to perceive and appreciate the nature of events before they actually occur and then the impetus to do what is apt rather than be indifferent. On the other hand, productivity is the ability to ulitise available resources and opportunities to generate new values and solve challenges or perplexities. We must admit that these qualities and abilities must be nurtured and developed to the optimal capacity, with utmost diligence. What we call education is not usually an organised classroom learning activity, but a continual expansion of human consciousness and innate abilities, as we encounter challenges.
Thus a vital mission statement of Creative Base Youth Movement is the identification, development and optimal utilisation of personal creative ability along positive and service-oriented channels. Even though members of the youth movement are largely university students and children of the middle social class, Creative Base is not an elitist club that would snub the humble class.
The launching of the Rivers State University chapter of Creative Base took place recently in a 5-Star Hotel in Port Harcourt, with some of the guests present at the occasion wondering how the youths were able to afford the cost of hiring or using such venue. Even though the youths take responsibility for sponsoring their programmes and activities, there are some patrons who give support and encouragement to the aspiring youths. One of such patrons is His Highness (Prof.) G. Isaiah Enoch Ogbuluofibo, of the University of Port Harcourt. At that launching occasion some parents of the executive members of the youth movement were honoured. It was a proud occasion for such parents.
It is needful to draw the attention of the Rivers State Commissioner for Community and Youth Affairs, Prince Ohia, to take interest in the activities of these noble youths in their efforts to usher in a new world order. The common statement that youths are the leaders of tomorrow should not begin and end in mere words, but concerted efforts should be made to encourage and support such youth movements and programmes which foster noble values in practical manners. The hackneyed saying that money is not everything implies that encouragement and support can come in various ways, not money always!
The transitional stage from adolescence to adulthood is usually a critical and trying time for youths, demanding deeper understanding than mere supportive help or guidance. What is known as generative power which sets in during the transitional period from adolescence to adulthood, is indeed an impetuous upsurge of energy among youths, to chart a new course in life and become free from burdens arising from pervious follies, ignorance and willfulness.
Generative Power which must not be mistaken for amative appetite, awakens at the transitional period from adolescence to adulthood. The impetus is capable of driving youths into expending that vital energy into such funds that can undermine future promises, of which amative activity is a common pitfall. Sublime function of generative power includes the task and ability to channel that urge into higher purposes. Known as sublimation, that line of personal discipline takes the forms of striving for recognition of the higher purposes of life on Earth.
Thus a major goal of the Creative Base Youth Movement is the effective harnessing of the rising generative power into positive channels and uses. Youths must not succumb to the temptations of becoming slaves to the natural urge which is meant to launch them into a life of creative ennoblement of the status of humanity.
While we talk about juvenile delinquencies, little is said about a more devastating phenomenon of adult delinquency whereby parents and leaders rarely inspire nobility in youths. How much does a pregnant woman know about the quality of such that approaches her via the company that she keeps during her pregnancy and the nature of her attitude towards her environment during that critical period? How much do we know about the mechanism and mystery of birth?
The average human being does not know that there are opportunities of great discoveries constantly floating around us which can only take root in minds which are well prepared to receive them. While we hustle and scramble for grabbing of “national cake”, we rarely know what we miss out in the bounties which life offers to those who wait upon the Lord, with patience and confidence. On-going engagements and orientation of youths are informed by the recognition of the fact that the adult population has failed their expectations and hopes. It is a pity to say this aloud, but it is a reality.
A new emerging world order is a movement of which youths are the pioneers, with Creative Base as one of such youth movements. May such pioneering efforts not be frustrated by any authority via the use of big boots and the power of coercion. Rather than protest or resort to violence, youths under the aegis of Creative Base Youth Movement, are using the resources of information and communications technology to raise and create a new awareness in Nigeria. Taking their own destiny in their own hands, Nigerian youths are going beyond the Lekki-gate saga to usher in a new world order. May we not frustrate them!
There are a few seeing and knowing Nigerians who, inspite of everything to the contrary, have a glimpse of what role Nigeria is meant to play in a new world order. Despite uncertainties, present threats and the role of dark forces, Nigeria is listed as a flashpoint in an emerging new world order. The generations of Edom and the abominations placed as hindrances would fade away, for that era is coming to a close; era of Edom!
By: Bright Amirize
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Quote:”While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries”.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, recently urged youths in the Rivers State to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to become employers of labour and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State. Governor Fubara noted that global trends increasingly favour entrepreneurship and innovation, and said that youths in Rivers State must not be left behind in harnessing these opportunities. The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, made this known while declaring open the 2026 Job Fair organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Port Harcourt. The Governor acknowledged the responsibility of government to create jobs for its teeming youth population but noted that it is unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.
“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service. This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said. It is necessary to State that Governor Fubara has not only stated the obvious but was committed to drive youth entrepreneurship towards their self-reliance and the economic development of the State It is not news that developed economies of the world are skilled driven economies. The private sector also remains the highest employer of labour in private sector driven or capitalist economy though it is also the responsibility of government to create job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth population in Nigeria which has the highest youth unemployed population in the subSahara Africa.
The lack of job opportunities, caused partly by the Federal Government’s apathy to job creation, the lack of adequate supervision of job opportunities economic programmes, lack of employable skills by many youths in the country have conspired to heighten the attendant challenges of unemployment. The challenges which include, “Japa” syndrome (travelling abroad for greener pastures), that characterises the labour market and poses threat to the nation’s critical sector, especially the health and medical sector; astronomical increase in the crime rate and a loss of interest in education. While job seeking youths should continuously acquire skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment as well as in the global space through the use of digital platforms, government, corporate/ multinational organizations or the organised private sector should generate skills and provide the enabling environment for skills acquisition, through adequate funding and resettlement packages that will provide sustainable economic life for beneficiaries.
While commending the Rivers State Government led by the People First Governor, Sir Siminilayi Fubara for initiating “various training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy, among others”, it is note-worthy that the labour market is dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancements, management practices and other emerging factors. So another sector the Federal, State and Local Governments should encourage youths to explore and harness the abounding potentials, in my considered view, is Agriculture. Agriculture remains a veritable solution to hunger, inflation, and food Insecurity that ravages the country. No doubt, the Nigeria’s arable landmass is grossly under-utilised and under-exploited.
In recent times, Nigerians have voiced their concerns about the persistent challenges of hunger, inflation, and the general increase in prices of goods and commodities. These issues not only affect the livelihoods of individuals and families but also pose significant threats to food security and economic stability in the country. The United Nations estimated that more than 25 million people in Nigeria could face food insecurity this year—a 47% increase from the 17 million people already at risk of going hungry, mainly due to ongoing insecurity, protracted conflicts, and rising food prices. An estimated two million children under five are likely to be pushed into acute malnutrition. (Reliefweb ,2023). In response, Nigeria declared a state of emergency on food insecurity, recognizing the urgent need to tackle food shortages, stabilize rising prices, and protect farmers facing violence from armed groups. However, without addressing the insecurity challenges, farmers will continue to struggle to feed their families and boost food production.
In addition, parts of northwest and northeast Nigeria have experienced changes in rainfall patterns making less water available for crop production. These climate change events have resulted in droughts and land degradations; presenting challenges for local communities and leading to significant impact on food security. In light of these daunting challenges, it is imperative to address the intricate interplay between insecurity and agricultural productivity. Nigeria can work toward ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable economic growth in its vital agricultural sector. In this article, I suggest solutions that could enhance agricultural production and ensure that every state scales its agricultural production to a level where it can cater to 60% of the population.
This is feasible and achievable if government at all levels are intentional driving the development of the agricultural sector which was the major economic mainstay of the Country before the crude oil was struck in commercial quantity and consequently became the nation’s monolithic revenue source. Government should revive the moribund Graduate Farmers Scheme and the Rivers State School-to-Land agricultural programmes to operate concurrently with other skills acquisition and development programmes. There should be a consideration for investment in mechanized farming and arable land allocation. State and local governments should play a pivotal role in promoting mechanized farming and providing arable land for farming in communities. Additionally, allocating arable land enables small holder farmers to expand their operations and contribute to food security at the grassroots level.
Nigeria can unlock the potential of its agricultural sector to address the pressing needs of its population and achieve sustainable development. Policymakers and stakeholders must heed Akande’s recommendations and take decisive action to ensure a food-secure future for all Nigerians.
By: Igbiki Benibo
Quote:“.Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement”
It was a turbulent week in the country, highlighting the widening gap between government intentions and public perception. From Abuja to Anambra and Lagos, citizens poured into the streets not just over specific grievances but in frustration with governance that often appears heavy-handed, confrontational, or insufficiently humane. While authorities may genuinely act in the public interest, their methods sometimes aggravate tensions rather than resolve them.
In Abuja, the strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) brought the capital to a near standstill. Their demands included five months’ unpaid wages, hazard and rural allowances, promotion arrears, welfare packages, pension and National Housing Fund remittances, and training and career progression concerns. These are core labour issues that directly affect workers’ dignity and livelihoods. Efforts to dialogue with the FCT Minister reportedly failed. Even after a court ordered the strike to end, workers persisted, underscoring the depth of discontent. Threats and sanctions only hardened positions.
The FCT crisis shows that industrial peace cannot be enforced through coercion. Dialogue is not weakness; it is recognition that governance is about people. Meeting labour leaders, listening attentively, clarifying grey areas, and agreeing on timelines could restore trust. Honesty and negotiation are far more effective than threats.
In Anambra, protests by Onitsha Main Market traders followed the government’s closure of the market over continued observance of a Monday sit-at-home, linked to separatist agitation. Governor Chukwuma Soludo described compliance as economic sabotage, insisting Anambra cannot operate as a “four-day-a-week economy.” While the governor’s concern is understandable, threats to revoke ownership, seize, or demolish the market risk escalating tensions. Many traders comply out of fear, not ideology. Markets are social ecosystems of families, apprentices, and informal networks; heavy-handed enforcement may worsen resistance. A better approach combines persuasion, dialogue with market leaders, credible security assurances, and gradual confidence-building. Coordinated political engagement with federal authorities could also reduce regional tensions.
In Lagos, protests erupted over demolition of homes in low-income waterfront communities such as Makoko, Owode Onirin, and Oworonshoki. The state defended these actions as necessary for safety, environmental protection, and urban renewal. While objectives are legitimate, demolitions drew criticism for lack of notice, compensation, and humane resettlement. Urban development without regard for human consequences risks appearing elitist and anti-poor. Where demolitions are unavoidable, transparent engagement, fair compensation, and realistic relocation must precede action to maintain public trust and social stability.
Across Abuja, Anambra, and Lagos, a common thread emerges: a disconnect between authority and empathy. Government actions may follow policy logic, but citizens respond from lived experience, fear, and frustration. When these realities collide without dialogue, the streets become the arena of engagement.
Democracy cannot thrive on decrees, threats, or bulldozers alone. Leaders must listen as much as they command, persuade as much as they enforce. Minister Wike should see labour leaders as partners, Governor Soludo must balance firmness with sensitivity, and Lagos authorities should align urban renewal with compassion and justice. Protests are signals of communication failure. Dialogue, caution, and a human face in governance are not optional—they are necessities. Police and security agencies must respect peaceful protest as a constitutional right.
By: Calista Ezeaku
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