The constant allegations of election rigging and the endless complaints from many African youths have gradually resulted in low voter turnout. When we pause and reflect, it is astonishing to realize how young many of today’s global leaders were when they first assumed leadership. In several countries, presidents are in their late thirties or early forties. Yet, when I look at their counterparts in Nigeria, many of our youths seem uninterested in the affairs of governance. ❤️
Instead of becoming active participants, many prefer to support one older candidate or another from the sidelines. Even more troubling is that when a young, bright mind appears on the ballot, our cultural biases and collective naivety often push us to ignore them. Somehow, we have come to equate governance and sound ideology with old age. We find comfort in complaining and talking, while shifting our responsibilities to God and allowing weak leadership to prevail. ❤️
In earlier times, when men truly stood for something, thieves feared even the voice of a homeowner. Men found honor in defending their land. To die for one’s belief and conviction was seen as bravery and heroism. Men understood that the Ikoro calls a great man twice—once during his lifetime, and again when he lies in glory, ready to unite with his ancestors. A man’s tears were not simply a call for sympathy or therapy; they were a sign that something deeply wrong had befallen the community. ❤️
So the question remains: Where are our men today?
Africa ranks low on many global indices. Are conversations about women, money without power, and servitude the only things we are known for? ❤️
Today, bandits and terrorists attack villages and drive people out of their homes, and men gather mainly to cry and seek help from those who hold power. Chai!! Ya diba… ❤️
My friends, the more we refuse to involve ourselves in the affairs of our country or stand for something meaningful, the more we become like the ichoko—a creature that uses its own mouth to destroy its offspring and then blames nature for the outcome. The dilution of our culture and traditions, honestly, has not taken us anywhere meaningful. A man who does not stand for something obvious eventually stands for nothing. And it is a grave mistake to believe that friendship with a crocodile will stop it from eating when hunger comes. ❤️
The sad reality today is that titled men dance on social media while young men passionately debate relationships, even as their homes and economies burn. Everyone seems to be chasing money—what many now call stomach infrastructure. ❤️
My brothers,
The solution to our dilapidated hospitals, failing schools, and declining standard of living is not to sit back and watch events unfold. The solution is to get involved. ❤️
Since we cannot return completely to the old ways of doing things, the power we still hold lies in our voter’s card and in our willingness to defend our votes. At the same time, we must reconnect with our traditions and rediscover what it means to be men of courage and responsibility. In many ways, we have lost ourselves in this modern world. ❤️
It is painful that when global decisions are made, African men are rarely considered equals or partners. Instead, we are sometimes handed ceremonial titles—what we call “oke aha n’egbu nwa nkịta”: the kind of brave name given to a dog that sends it to attack a lion, only to meet its end. ❤️
The hard truth is this: if you did not vote, you indirectly helped vote a good candidate out. Losing hope will not rescue us from this situation. Remember, one person can make a difference—and that person could be you. ❤️
So, get involved my people. Agwọ dịkwa na akịrịka…
May the spirit of patriotism burn so strongly in your heart that it drives away cowardice and inspires you to join us in defeating this false majority.
Isee!! ❤️
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi
Pen it down. 