On Thursday, a staggering N16.9 billion was raised for the completion of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s Presidential Library. This sum, donated by wealthy individuals and corporations—including Aliko Dangote (N8 billion) and Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group (N5 billion)—has reignited the debate about the glaring misplacement of priorities in Nigeria. While this project may hold historical significance, it reflects a systemic disregard for the immediate and pressing needs of the Nigerian youth.
General Ibrahim Babangida is a man whose wealth and influence are unparalleled. If he truly wished to complete this library, he has the resources to fund it entirely on his own. Yet, the funds raised from well-meaning Nigerians could have been channeled toward addressing the critical needs of our nation’s youth. With an unemployment rate at an all-time high and millions of young Nigerians roaming the streets, lacking access to opportunities, this massive sum could have been a game-changer.
It is heartbreaking to note that many Nigerian youths are brimming with innovative ideas and entrepreneurial zeal but remain trapped in poverty due to a lack of seed capital. Imagine what could have been achieved with N16.9 billion if directed towards youth empowerment. For example, with just N5 million, a young entrepreneur could establish a thriving business capable of creating jobs and contributing to Nigeria’s GDP. Even Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, started his journey with seed capital from his uncle. This underscores the importance of empowering the youth as a foundation for national development.
Former Head State of Nigeria
As a former gubernatorial candidate and someone who understands what it means to rise without the privilege of being born with a silver spoon, I feel the pain of these neglected youths. I know what it means to have dreams, initiatives, and plans that can positively transform society, but to lack the capital to bring them to fruition. I have personally met countless young Nigerians who only need support to turn their visions into reality. Their frustration is growing, and the neglect of their plight is a ticking time bomb for the nation.
The N16.9 billion raised for this library is ostensibly to preserve the legacy of one of Nigeria’s past leaders. But I ask: what is the value of a structure when the people it is meant to serve are struggling for survival? If there are no thriving youths to visit the library or benefit from its resources, it becomes an empty monument, a symbol of missed opportunities.
I hereby challenge General Ibrahim Babangida, Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, and other well-meaning Nigerians with wealth and influence to rethink their priorities. Imagine a scenario where these same individuals jointly support Nigerian youths by funding their initiatives, businesses, and ideas. The empowered youths of today would not only repay this investment by contributing to the nation’s economy but could also return the gesture by building the IBB Presidential Library as a “thank you” project for their benefactors.
Empowering the youth is not just a moral responsibility—it is a strategic investment. When you empower young people today, you stand to gain it back multiple times over, through the innovations they bring, the jobs they create, and the revenue they generate for the country. These are the same youths who can transform Nigeria’s image on the global stage and solve some of our most pressing challenges.
It is time for Nigerians with resources and influence to rise to the occasion. The federal government cannot do it alone, and political appointees have largely failed in their responsibilities. Wealthy individuals and corporations must step up and prioritize initiatives that address the root causes of unemployment and poverty among our youth.
When we empower our youths, we give them a reason to stay, thrive, and build their futures within our borders. The increasing trend of “japa”—where young Nigerians seek opportunities abroad—can be reversed if we create an environment that nurtures their dreams and ambitions. Empowered youths will no longer feel compelled to risk everything for a life abroad, only to face challenges such as racial discrimination, limited opportunities, and, in the worst cases, deportation.
What is happening in the United States, with the deportation of young black individuals, should be a wake-up call for all of us. It is a stark reminder that no place will ever value or prioritize our people as much as we can within our own continent. Instead of abandoning our brightest minds to foreign lands, we must build a legacy here in Nigeria—a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and opportunities for all.
The time is now for us to rise to the challenge, to build not just our nation but our continent, to lay the foundation for a future where our youth no longer seek greener pastures abroad but see the opportunities right here at home. This is how we secure our collective future, strengthen our economy, and create a Nigeria we can all be proud of. Empower the youth today, and they will build a brighter tomorrow for us all.
Let us focus on building human capital, the cornerstone of any great nation. Let us empower our youth to thrive, innovate, and contribute to national development. Let us create a future where the youth are not begging for survival but are contributing proudly as leaders, innovators, and job creators. Anything less is a disservice to the nation and a betrayal of the future we all claim to care about.
