Nigerian youths need credible stories of wealth — Ruth Okoirhon, social change advocate
Ruth Okoirhon is a professional in communications and international development. In addition to her drive for social change, her passion for social justice is influenced by the fact that her parents support it. She has taken part in development initiatives supported by international and domestic donors in the areas of severe and organised crime prevention, youth safety, reintegration of returned migrants, labour migration, human trafficking, building youth capacity, and livelihood programmes.
In this interview with TeCH (Tech Climate & Health), Ruth Okoirhon addresses issues on Nigerian youths, some policies of the Tinubu administration, among other matters.
You’re so very involved in youth activities. What’s the drive?
My desire to make a difference is the drive to get involved in youth activities.
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I hate inequality and adore social impact. I think that rather than whining about social problems, I can play a part in bringing about the change I want to see in the world, no matter how small.
I commit my time, energy, and resources to helping young people reach their greatest potential because of this. Simply put, I’m giving back everything I’ve received from the universe, my mentors, and the kind people I’ve met.
When I die, I want to leave the world empty and fulfilled.
Are youths really ready to be part of governance?
I believe they are ready. According to history, the most recent elections saw the most participation and involvement of youths, both in good governance advocacy and voting for their favourite candidates on election day.
Youths are demanding excellent governance and recognise that they must be involved to make a difference. Some of them are political party members who ran in the recent elections.
Young people will be elected to political office with the correct support and a level playing field.
The prevailing impression of Nigerian youth is that of get-rich-quick by any means possible. What’s missing?
What is absent are stories of role models who achieved wealth through legal methods and hard labour.
Young people will be inspired by their success stories if we profile them enough. We cannot dismiss the significant impact that materialism plays in today’s environment, with people seeking to get wealthy without putting in the effort.
Some young people look up to wealthy people without realising that they did not become wealthy suddenly; these people may have accumulated wealth over generations.
Furthermore, the significance of parents/guardians in establishing a good example by not pressing their children to become wealthy by any means cannot be overstated.
Misinformation, greed, poverty, impunity, and corruption are all variables to consider. We can counteract this by telling credible stories.
So many churches and mosques, yet social ills and selfish leaders abound. What’s wrong?
To be honest, this is a difficult question to answer. Churches and mosques provide a place for people of the same faith to worship together. Aside from the activities that take place there, individuals must be intentional about the outcome of their life and relationships with others.
Social issues and self-centred leaders are both reflections of the character of the individuals and have nothing to do with the number of religious places of worship. It is ironic that many of our politicians do not hesitate to mention God or Allah whenever they address a problem, even when they are clearly lying.
It demonstrates that many of them do not have a personal relationship with their creator; otherwise, their conscience would be active. Love for God and neighbour is a critical missing connection. If true love exists, no one would intentionally harm another person or make their living situations unbearable. Love and selflessness are essential components.
How do you advise the administration of President Bola Tinubu to engage youths?
My advice is to include them in policymaking, particularly in areas that have a direct impact on the quality of their lives. Nigerian youths are in the best position to give solutions to their difficulties because they are capable of thinking for themselves. Allow them access to decision-making areas.
The ministry in charge of youth development should be led by a young person who knows the issues confronting Nigerian youth. A subsequent committee for youth affairs should also be made up of young people. The administration should prioritise the wellbeing of youths by actively engaging them.
They should not, as is customary, be used as tools by unscrupulous politicians to carry out their nasty business. We witness many unemployed, misinformed, and meaningless engaged teenagers roaming on the streets, many of them have become drug addicts and have turned to social vices.
This administration should cleanse the community of these young people, by addressing the issues that have kept them on the streets. There is much work to be done, no question; but with determination and the proper individuals leading the ministry, social change may be achieved.
To what extent do you believe in the student loan policy of this administration?
My main concern with the Nigerian government’s policies is their implementation. We may have a wonderful policy on paper, but terrible execution seeps in.
Nepotism may become the norm, undermining the policy’s intended goal. This would prevent it from reaching people who genuinely need it — namely underserved populations. We require a behavioural change to ensure that policies achieve their goals.
Does your team/group have any upcoming programme?
If we are not conducting physical events, internet advocacy, community involvement and the like are always continuing. And we make every effort to reach marginalised populations.