Meet Yusuf.
Yusuf is a very hardworking young man in his early thirties. He lives with his mother and four siblings because he could not afford to own his own place. His salary is barely enough to feed them. Once the salary is paid, bills suck it all up and he lives on loans for the rest of the month. He can't seem to find another job because he has no certificate. His parents couldn't afford to send him to a university. Now, his mother is very sick and there is no money to take care of her delapidating health. His friend Audu, a kidnapping kingpin and a secondary school friend has promised to recruit him. Perhaps soon, he will earn enough to take care of his mother and all his bills.
Meet James.
James is a first class graduate of medical lab science. He graduated as the best student in his faculty. He expected the school would retain him and offer him a lecturing position but unfortunately that didn't happen. He was told since he has no reference from a top person in government, the job cannot be his. James has toiled the streets of Lagos for two years looking for a job but to no avail. He does not have enough funds go start up his own medical laboratory. He can't afford to feed himself let alone have enough to send home. James is computer literate and knows his way around the internet. James discovered that through the internet can be explored in so many ways one of which is defrauding people. His plan was simple, pretend to be a woman, chat up the white guys, get them to love in love and have them send lots of cash. James tried it and it was very successful. Now, there is no stopping James.
Meet Jessica
Jessica is a beautiful girl. She is a student in the university studying Agriculture. Jessica has always loved the bling bling life. She loves all things designers ranging from bags to clothes and she is a brand loyalist of LG. Not like she has any of these but she has friends who do and each time she is with them, she feels inferior. Jessica decided to get these things for herself. She decided it was time to roll with the big girls and the easy way is to use what she has to get what she wants. Every night, Jessica stands at the popular Allen Avenue waiting for customers for the night. What's the use of her body if it can't fetch her the good things of life.
These are the stories of three out of every five youths in Nigeria. The crime rate among youths in Nigeria has become very worrisome. The lack of employment, coupled with poverty and the inflation the country is presently faced with has made a lot of youths desperate and frustrated. This is a big threat to the security of the nation.
The security agencies have very poor welfare. They are also victims of the corrupt government. Year after year, their salaries remain the same, no good welfare scheme. They do not have enough material and intellectual resources to fight crimes. A lot of criminals succeed with their crimes and those caught are released by the police once they are ready and willing to grease some palms.
The Landlords are not helping matters. House rent is always on the increase. They do not care to know if you can afford it or not. All they care about is their house money at the end of the year.
The situation is pathetic. Every election year, the politicians make a lot of promises which is soon forgotten once they get voted into the office. The same people have been in power and they keep recycling themselves every election year. Everything remains the same with no changes whatsoever.
Is there ever a solution?
Why this seems like a cry for help, there are certain things that can be done to help the present situation of the country.
To bring about a decrease in crime rate, the people needs to start by voting out all the corrupt leaders in government and bringing in new blood who aren't corrupt or exposed to the corrupt ways or the present leaders.
The government needs to create jobs for the teaming number of unemployed youths out there. Jobs should be made available and shouldn't be based on whom you know.
The security agencies welfare packages should be reviewed. All material and intellectual resources needed to carry out their duties should be made available. Their salaries should be reviewed and promotion should come as at when due. This will motivate them to work harder and bring criminals to book.
Youths should explore entrepreneurship and Government should make available funds for youths who have various skills.
The religious bodies have a role to play also. Teachings on the need for good moral standards should be preached and youths encouraged to live a godly life.
Parents are not left out of this. It's important for parents to inculcate good morals into their children. Parents should make it a point of duty to know the type of friends their children hang out with and should also monitor what their children watch and do on the internet.
I believe if these steps are taken, the crime rate in Nigeria will notice a decline and this also may positively affect the financial situation of the country.
This is my entry into week 9 episode 1 of Hive Learner's contest