This is a very important topic, and I'm happy it's brought up for discussion. Seriously, if I had my power, I would have made adjustments to the age our Nigerian parents start seeing their children as adults and should start feeding for themselves. The guys suffer this the most, and the majority that don't stay with their parents, both females and males, go through the same experience.
Maybe there wouldn't have been any problem if one is 18 years and there are opportunities and probably done with school and is self-employed. How can someone who is 18 in Nigeria be considered to be an adult? Adult in age alone as there is no form of achievement to back that adulthood up.
It's at this age that some just finished secondary school or are planning to get into a higher institution. Because parents feel since my son or daughter is now entitled to enjoy the same liberty I enjoy, that means she's matured. During the last presidential election, I went to a shop close to our house to purchase something when I saw the seller was already dressed and was about heading to her polling unit.
Her daughter who was also dressed requested transport to her own unit, and her mum's response was, "you wan go vote and you no get money. If I can go and vote and I have money, you too should have money to go and vote. I don't have any money for you, madam." That was the end of discussion, and she hurried away. I just jokingly told her to support her daughter so her vote can count. I got what I wanted and left.
This is exactly what many are going through in our country. Once you get to 18, parents conclude you are mature enough to get yourself all the basic needs, and I ask should these young souls go and steal to do these?
They are just done with school, either trying to write JAMB or waiting for their WAEC. This looks like one of the reasons we don't produce good academia like in the past. Many are interested in what to do to be independent because mummy and daddy now find making provision for their needs as a burden.
For me, if I'm to make that decision, I would say at the age of 24 is okay for one not to be considered to be a minor. At this age, one must have been exposed and understand life to a certain level. By then, some would be done with school or close to and can stand up to make certain life decisions without fear.
Maturity is not in age; some people can start exhibiting adult characteristics even before 18 years. So many things can influence our level of maturity at our different ages.
Factors that boost our maturity even before adulthood include the kind of family one is brought up from. This is very important as it has a great part to play in raising matured and responsible individuals.
I know as individuals, we are entitled to our opinions. This is my thoughts on the Hive Learners’ prompt.
