Awolowo was (37), Akintola (36), Ahmadu Bello (36) Balewa
(34) and Okotie-Eboh (27), Enahoro (27) led the struggle for
independence after the death of Macaulay. Only Zik was 42 at
the time.
In 1966, the first coup was led by: Kaduna Nzeogwu (29) and
countered by Murtala
Mohammed (28), Theophilus Danjuma (28), Babangida (25),
Nanven Garba (23), Sani
Abacha (23), Shehu Musa Yaradua (23), and brought into
power Gowon (32), Ojukwu (33), Obasanjo (29), Buhari (24).
Most of the military administrators who governed the states
under the successive military regimes, most of whom are
governors now, were under 30 years.
The brief democratic dispensation which interjected the
military interregnums also saw
the House of Representatives in particular populated by
majority of members under 30 years as well as some senators.
Under 30s were also not in short supply with appointments,
we have examples of MT Mbu
who became foreign affairs minister at 23 and Pat Utomi who
became a presidential
adviser at 27 and so on and so forth.
NOW:
Why is it that this age bracket is today still sleeping in 3 seater
chairs in their parents’
homes?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still collecting pocket
money from their parents?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still writing JAMB?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still sagging their
trousers?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching for jobs,
not yet married?
Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer qualified to
even be leaders of youth
wings of political parties?
Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile?
Why is it that this age bracket is today still incapable of feeding
itself?
Why is it that this age bracket is today barred by law from even
aspiring to certain political offices?
Why is it that this age bracket is today incapacitated, unwilling,
unable and incapable of asking questions?
GOD BLESS NIGERIA!"
: (c) 2014
Prof Wole Soyinka