Why youth independence, potentials should not be underestimated

The problem is a rather pathetic one as anyone who pays enough attention to societal happenings, will be quick to say that about 50 percent of youths in our beloved continent are better suited for endless manipulative tendencies by the older populace, who will spare nothing to be able to use young people as they […]

The problem is a rather pathetic one as anyone who pays enough attention to societal happenings, will be quick to say that about 50 percent of youths in our beloved continent are better suited for endless manipulative tendencies by the older populace, who will spare nothing to be able to use young people as they deem fit and not in a good way. 
Now that we are all aware of the pathetic situation in which most of our youths live in, we can begin exploring the reasons behind the obvious lack of will in many youths. Are we strangers to the fact that in many households, parents/guardians would go to great lengths to “protect” their children/wards from the harsh realities of life, while making it impossible for the latter to actually become strong and independent as a result of passing through a lot of unsavoury events.
Many parents and guardians would rather continue to fend for grown adults than allow them experience life on their own. This is one of the reasons why some young people end up being so dependent on elders to provide for them that they eventually get to the age brackets of their late 30s and 40s still looking up to others to help them financially.
Sometimes, it is usually expected that a 25-year-old should not be concerned with building an empire for himself or herself but should submit to an unserious life, until the person is well advanced into the age bracket of 40.
As bad as the situation is, there are other youths who transcend beyond the limitations placed on them and excel at very young ages. But God help them if they are the only ones in the family who had the guts to develop themselves and put themselves out there to strive and survive. They become automatic handlers of those who cannot do anything for themselves. Yet, it is possible that those who have held the young ones back, will be the same ones to continuously criticize them as they get older!
How long will the average African family allow this vicious cycle to continue? Why do we always entertain the fear of allowing our wards go out there to suffer and make a life for themselves while still young and energetic?
Why do we associate success with old age alone? Why do we allow the perception of it is not possible to be rich and independent in Africa until you are older than 40? What is it about wealth that youths are seen as unable to attain it while still in their youth and why do older ones refuse to give young people a chance that could propel them further in life?
While all these questions may or may not have valid answers, one thing to note is that young people deserve a chance to excel far beyond what everyone expects of them. And things are currently changing as many young people have had the wisdom to recognize their own capabilities early on and decide to push the envelope, so to speak and become quite indispensable in their field of work. 
This scenario of overlooking youths is even imminent in some parts of the country, if a young person could fill in a particular position at an agency or institution, chances are that she or he will be passed up in favour of a much older person, who does not have the energy or quick thinking of the youthful counterpart! What message does this send to other young people around the country? “Do not hope to become anything until you are old and grey”?
It is high time, the youths are allowed to excel and bring their talents to good use in every aspect of society, not just as mere pawns in the hands of those who would rather see their homeland destroyed.
Parents and guardians should also learn to train their children and wards with less fantasy scenarios and with more reality filled lessons to help them stand unwaveringly in their later struggle to gain a foothold in life’s battles. This will go a long way to help them become independent and able to give back to society in their youth.

 Eremionkhale writes from Abuja  and can be followed on Edufrica on the social media.