By Rekpene Bassey
The once vibrant Calabar Carnival, renowned for its lively festivities during the tenure of former governor Donald Duke, has languished in a state of semi-coma, especially under the leadership of Governor Ben Ayade.
While his predecessor, Senator Liyel Imoke, exerted commendable efforts over eight years to propel the annual event onto the global stage, the previous administration hardly left much to be desired. However, this year’s carnival, held on December 28, has served as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for a comprehensive Youth Marshall Plan in Nigeria.
The throngs of young people who descended upon the festivities were not merely seeking entertainment; they were in search of meaning and purpose in a society that seemed to have forsaken their aspirations. Despite the exuberant displays from multiple bands and street parties, a closer look reveals a disheartening reality.
Thousands of youths, adorned in skimpy dresses and sporting flamboyant attires, roamed the streets of Marian and Calabar’s Broad, seemingly lost and adrift. Beneath the surface of cheerful dances and smiles lay a pervasive sense of hopelessness, exacerbated by issues such as drug abuse, crime, and prostitution.
These young individuals, the main participants and attractions of the event, represent the future of our great nation. Their current predicament paints a distressing picture of what lies ahead if meaningful interventions are not implemented.
As a society, we must recognize the urgent need for a Youth Marshall Plan that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by our youth and charts a course toward a brighter future.
A Youth Marshall Plan would encompass targeted initiatives aimed at empowering and uplifting the younger generation.
This plan could include educational reforms, vocational training programs, and job creation initiatives to equip young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Furthermore, mental health support and counseling services should be integrated to address the underlying issues contributing to the sense of despair among the youth.
To effectively implement such a plan, collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society is imperative. Adequate funding, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to long-term sustainability are essential components of a successful Youth Marshall Plan.
By investing in the potential of our youth, we are not only securing a more prosperous future for Nigeria but also fostering a sense of hope and purpose among the younger generation.
In conclusion, the scenes witnessed during this year’s Calabar Carnival serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Nigeria’s youth. It is incumbent upon us as a nation to rise to the occasion and enact a Youth Marshall Plan that addresses the root causes of their struggles.
Only through concerted efforts and a unified vision can we pave the way for a brighter, more promising future for the youth who will inherit the mantle of leadership in the years to come.
Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON). He is also a Security and Drug Prevention Professional
