Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most visionary leaders, left behind a legacy of wisdom that transcends generations. Among his many profound statements, one stands out as a chilling prophecy: “The children you failed to train now will not allow your children you train to have peace.” This statement is not just a warning; it is a timeless truth about the consequences of societal neglect, inequality, and the failure of leadership. Today, Nigeria; and indeed many nations; grapples with the repercussions of this neglect. Rising insecurity, youth unrest, and systemic dysfunction are the direct results of a ruling elite that prioritized personal gain over collective welfare.
This article delves deeply into Awolowo’s warning, examining its relevance in contemporary society, the consequences of failing to invest in the younger generation, and why the ruling class must act before it is too late.
The Meaning Behind Awolowo’s Words.
Awolowo’s statement is a stark reminder that society is interconnected. The ruling elite; politicians, business moguls, and privileged individuals; often isolate themselves in bubbles of wealth and power, ignoring the plight of the masses. They send their children to the best schools abroad, live in fortified mansions, and enjoy world-class healthcare, while millions of Nigerian children languish in dilapidated schools, unemployed youths roam the streets, and poverty festers.
But history has shown that no amount of personal wealth or security can fully insulate anyone from societal collapse. When a generation is abandoned; denied education, opportunities, and hope; they become desperate. Crime, violence, and civil unrest become their weapons. The children of the elite may have the best education, but they will inherit a fractured nation where peace is a luxury.
The Failure of Leadership and Its Consequences
Nigeria’s ruling class has, for decades, neglected its most critical duty: investing in human capital. Public education is in shambles, healthcare is a privilege, and unemployment is at an all-time high. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment rate stands at over 33%, with youth unemployment even higher. Millions of young people, left without skills or opportunities, are easy recruits for criminal gangs, terrorist organizations, and violent protests.
The #EndSARS protests of 2020 were a clear manifestation of Awolowo’s warning. Young Nigerians, tired of systemic oppression, police brutality, and lack of opportunities, took to the streets. The protests were not just about disbanding the SARS unit; they were a cry against decades of neglect. The elite, who thought their wealth and power could shield them, suddenly realized that no one is truly safe in a failing society.
The Global Context: Inequality Breeds Instability.
Awolowo’s warning is not exclusive to Nigeria. Across the world, societies that fail to invest in their youth face unrest. The Arab Spring, for instance, was fueled by millions of unemployed and disenfranchised young people demanding change. In South Africa, rampant inequality has led to recurring xenophobic attacks and violent protests.
The lesson is clear: when a society neglects its youth, it sows the seeds of its own destruction. The children left without education, mentorship, or opportunities will grow into adults with nothing to lose. And when they rise; whether through crime, rebellion, or revolution; they will disrupt the peace of those who thought themselves untouchable.
The Illusion of Security for the Elites.
Many wealthy and powerful individuals believe they can buy their way out of societal problems. They build high fences, hire armed guards, and relocate abroad at the first sign of trouble. But this is a short-sighted solution. No one can fully escape the consequences of a broken society.
- Brain Drain vs. Societal Gain: The elite send their children abroad to study, but if Nigeria continues to deteriorate, even those foreign-trained professionals will return to a nation in chaos.
- Economic Collapse: A nation with millions of unskilled, angry youths cannot sustain a functional economy. Businesses suffer, investments flee, and even the wealthiest lose their fortunes.
- Legacy of Bloodshed: History shows that when inequality reaches a boiling point, revolutions do not discriminate. The French and Russian revolutions saw the elite pay the ultimate price for their neglect of the masses.
The Way Forward: Investing in the Future.
To avert disaster, Nigeria’s ruling class must heed Awolowo’s warning. The solution lies in deliberate, sustained investment in education, job creation, and social welfare.
- Education Reform: Nigeria must prioritize free, quality education at all levels. Awolowo’s free education policy in the Western Region produced some of Nigeria’s brightest minds. This must be replicated nationwide.
- Youth Empowerment: Skills acquisition programs, startup funding, and vocational training can turn idle youths into productive citizens.
- Good Governance: Corruption must be tackled aggressively. Public funds meant for schools, hospitals, and infrastructure must not end up in private pockets.
- Inclusive Growth: Economic policies must benefit all, not just a privileged few. The gap between the rich and poor must be narrowed.
A Call to Action Before It’s Too Late
Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s words were prophetic. Nigeria is already witnessing the consequences of failing to train its children; rising banditry, kidnappings, cybercrime, and civil unrest. The ruling elite may feel secure now, but the storm is coming.
If we continue to ignore the plight of the masses, the children left behind will ensure that no one; not even the privileged; lives in peace. The time to act is now. Invest in education, create opportunities, and build a society where every child has a future. Otherwise, the chaos that follows will spare no one.
Awolowo’s warning is not just a statement; it is a law of societal survival. Will Nigeria learn before it’s too late?
