Nigeria’s youth are often mislabeled as “lazy,” yet the real challenge lies in systemic barriers that limit opportunity. Despite high unemployment and limited access to resources, young Nigerians continue to lead, innovate, and advocate for change. Our resilience proves we need inclusion, not criticism, empowerment, not dismissal.

Many Nigerian youths felt offended by the words spoken (You are lazy) by the President.   The aim is to motivate them to buckle up, apply for jobs, take leadership roles, and thrive. Many would ask if the word “Lazy Youth” serves as a motivator, but I would say no; rather, the word is more of an insult, stirring up anger among the youth.  As much as it did not motivate the youth, it exposed the reality that remains: platforms promoting youth engagement in governance, finance, engineering, education, and all sectors are limited,  inaccessible, or unavailable.