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I am angry, and concerned as I believe Nigerian youths should be angry too.
Because we cannot continue to keep quiet while the things we eat, drink, and put into our bodies are becoming a serious concern.
Look around us, we are hearing more and more about young people battling kidney problems, cancer and other serious illnesses.
There is a growing concern that many youths are ending up in hospitals, some waiting for dialysis and others waiting for chemotherapy. There are even claims that as many as 80% of youths are affected.
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If this claim is true, then this is an emergency. If it is not true, then the government and health authorities should come out and tell Nigerians the real figures.
Why are we not asking serious questions?
Energy drinks such as Fearless, Climax, Predator and other similar drinks are consumed by young people every day. We also consume carbonated drinks like Coke, Fanta, Sprite and many others. We need proper investigations into what these products contain and whether they are safe for regular consumption.
The same questions must be asked about our locally produced cooking oils, eggs, bread, flour and fruits.
What chemicals are being added? What preservatives are being used?
What are people using to make bananas, plantains and other fruits ripen faster or last longer?
What exactly are we putting into our bodies? We need answers
And what about drugs that NAFDAC has banned or restricted but still find their way into the market?
This is why we are protesting
We are not carrying guns, nor are are not carrying knives. We are not destroying property. We are going to Government House to demand answers and action.
Nigerian youths, now is not the time to not keep mute, health practitioners, we need you to speak up. To our leaders and regulators, we need prompt and apt investigation and action
If our young people are truly lining up in hospitals waiting for dialysis then this country has an emergency on its hands.
Our lives matter, our health matters.
We need answers, and we need them now.
