By Samson Olu. Oderinde
It may seem that young Nigerians are failing, but the truth is that they are carrying an immense burden. What we’re seeing is not a failed generation. We’re seeing a pressured generation, trying to survive in a time no other generation in Nigeria has faced.
THE REALITY WE CAN’T IGNORE
1. Mental Health
Anxiety, depression, burnout, and hopelessness are real. The pressure of unemployment, japa syndrome, social media comparison, and economic hardship is heavy. Many young people are smiling outside but breaking inside.
2. Family Systems Under Strain
Families that used to be safety nets are stretched. Parents are also battling bills. Conversations about purpose, faith, and values are being replaced by survival talk. The result: young people feel unseen and unheard.
3. A Generation Carrying Too Much
This generation is expected to “fix Nigeria” on social media by day, hustle for income by night, and still “be okay.” That weight will break anyone without support.
WE MUST. APPLAUD HERE
Despite the pressure, Nigerian youths are still the most resilient, creative, and globally competitive group we have.
– They are building tech startups from bedrooms in Port Harcourt and Lagos.
– They are leading advocacy, content creation, and community projects.
– They are keeping faith alive in churches, mosques, and volunteer groups.
Let me give an applause to the Federal, State, and Local Governments for the youth empowerment programmes carried out so far — from skills training, SME grants, N-Power, NYSC initiatives, to entrepreneurship and agro-processing schemes. These efforts are giving young people tools, funding, and hope. More can be done, but the foundation is being laid, and it deserves recognition.
The spirit of our youth is not dead. It’s tired. And tired people can be revived.
THE WAY FORWARD: ADVICE FOR ALL OF US
1. To Young Nigerians: You are not failing, you are being forged.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me._ Philippians 4:13
Your value is not your bank account or visa status. Protect your mind. Talk to someone. Rest. Pray. Build skills, not just followers. You are not late. God’s timing is not Instagram timing.
2. To Families: Be the first place of healing.
Ask “how are you really?” and wait for the answer. Create rooms where children can fail without shame. Pray together. Eat together. The family must be a hospital before it’s a boardroom.
3. To Government & Stakeholders: Scale what is working.
Build on the empowerment programmes already started. Expand counseling in schools, affordable healthcare, job pipelines, and mentorship. When youth see a future here, hope returns.
4. To the Church & Community: Preach hope, not just hustle.
Teach young people identity before income. Raise them to know that pressure can produce diamonds.
CONCLUSION: PRESSURE IS NOT DESTRUCTION, IT’S PRODUCTION
A generation under pressure can either crack or become steel. Nigerian youths have steel in them.
This is not the time to write them off. It’s the time to hold their hands, speak life over them, and build systems that help them win.
To every young Nigerian reading this: You are not alone. You are not failing. You are becoming.
And with God, with family, and with government support — we will rise.
Samson O. Oderonde, JP is former Executive Chairman, Yewa North LG & Former SSA to Dep. Gov. in Ogun State, Writes in from Igbogila-Yewa.
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