Let’s be real, when President Buhari first came into power in 2015, some young Nigerians were hyped.

The ex-military guy was supposed to be the tough leader who would fix corruption, boost jobs, and end Boko Haram.

But fast-forward a few years, and the vibe changed drastically. The promises? Still pending. The economy? Rough. The vibe check? He didn’t pass.

From Twitter bans to painful fuel prices, sky-high unemployment, and that unforgettable #EndSARS saga, young people across Naija started asking, “Is this what we signed up for?”

So, if you’ve ever wondered why Nigerian youths gave Buhari the side-eye throughout his presidency, we’ve broken it down into seven major reasons.

1. #EndSARS Crackdown and the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre

The #EndSARS movement of October 2020 began as peaceful protests against SARS, a police unit notorious for harassment, extortion, and brutality targeting mainly youths.

The movement rapidly gained national and international attention, led by activists like DJ Switch, RunTown, and Falz, who live-streamed incidents and channeled global outrage.

Instead of opening dialogue, the government deployed the military; on October 20, soldiers reportedly shot at unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, killing at least 12 people, a moment seared into youth consciousness.

In his subsequent address, Buhari branded the demonstrators “rioters,” deepening the sense of betrayal felt by young Nigerians who sought reform, not anarchy.

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The aftermath generated long-lasting resentment. Deep mistrust grew toward an administration seen as prioritising force over reform, silence over reconciliation.

The episode became a defining symbol of state violence against youth, fueling a shift toward civic activism and political disengagement.

2. Economic Woes & Youth Unemployment Surge

Despite promises to generate millions of jobs, Buhari presided over two recessions (2016–17, 2020) that pushed the national unemployment rate to over 33%, with youth unemployment alone reported at 42.5%.

An NBS report showed youth unemployment grew from about 4 million to 12.8 million between 2015 and 2020, a 220% increase.

His signature “Social Investment” schemes like N-Power were meant to alleviate this, but they fell short of expectations; implementation inefficiency meant many youths saw little real benefit.

Meanwhile, collapsing SMEs, foreign‑exchange shortages, and inflation eroded savings and incomes, prompting youth frustration and even waves of emigration.

This sense of economic abandonment drove many youths to social unrest (#EndBadGovernance, #FixNigeria), and shaped their political views, many backed opposition candidates like Peter Obi in 2023, seeking alternatives to the tepid status quo.

3. Public Belittling of Nigerian Youths

In April 2018, at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London, Buhari publicly described Nigerian youths as “uneducated” and “expecting freebies,” a statement that sparked widespread anger and the #LazyNigerianYouths movement.

Young Nigerians countered with stories and examples of their hustle online, determined to fight the stereotype.

The backlash was intense, not due to mere insult, but because it came from the president himself, exacerbating feelings of disrespect and generational divide.

Many youths felt their efforts to survive in a challenging economy were dismissed as laziness by a leader insulated from their realities.

This public misstep damaged Buhari’s connection with the youth, reinforcing the idea that he did not understand their struggles or value their contributions.

4. Perceived Hypocrisy in the Anti‑Corruption Campaign

Buhari campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, earning praise early on for high-profile cases. Yet, critics argue the drive became selective, targeting opposition figures while allegedly ignoring scandals involving his allies, such as MTN and insider trading.

This hypocrisy undermined credibility among youths who demanded genuine reform, not political score-settling.

When elite connections appeared to evade scrutiny, many concluded that accountability was for political convenience, not justice.

The disconnect between rhetoric and practice deepened youth distrust in institutions, and especially in a government that seemed to weaponize corruption claims selectively.

5. Failure to End Insecurity and Terrorism

Despite pledges to defeat Boko Haram, violence and displacement persisted. Over 35,000 people were killed, and 2 million were displaced by Boko Haram and affiliated groups.

Mass abductions (e.g., Chibok girls) and repeated attacks on civilians underscored the ongoing failure.

Buhari periodically declared Boko Haram “technically defeated,” but repeated bombings and kidnappings contradicted such optimism, fueling anger among youths who still felt unsafe in daily life.

Insecurity also hit youth employment and mobility, disrupted farming, closed schools, and blocked roads.

Youths saw minimal protection, fueling feelings of abandonment and prompting some to join self-defense groups, migration, or protest movements.

6. Authoritarian Instincts: Media Censorship & Protest Suppression

Following Twitter’s removal of a tweet from Buhari’s account (perceived to threaten secessionists), the government banned Twitter in mid‑2021 for seven months, drawing international condemnation.

This mirrored an authoritarian streak: limiting speech when criticism mounted. Coupled with arrests of activists like Omoyele Sowore and raids on journalists and courts, despite legal pushback, the administration’s actions signaled intolerance of dissent.

This pattern alienated youths who had come to see social media and protest as their voice, leaving many disillusioned with governance that favored control over open engagement.

7. Elite-Driven Gerontocracy & Youth Political Exclusion

Throughout Buhari’s tenure, the cabinet skewed heavily older (average age >60), while Nigerians under 30 made up nearly 60% of the population.

Youth voices were often sidelined in decision-making, reinforcing a sense of marginalisation. While pro-youth reforms like the “Not Too Young To Run” bill passed, their impact was limited without broader youth inclusion in political structures.

 First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been honoured with the Changemaker Collaboration Award by Enactus Nigeria for its support in helping young Nigerians grow as leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. The award was presented in Lagos on July 3, 2025, at the 25th Anniversary Gala and Awards ceremony of Enactus Nigeria. The body empowers young leaders to drive social and economic change through innovative projects and is in over 30 tertiary institutions nationwide. Michael Ajayi, Country Manager of Enactus Nigeria, commended FCMB’s consistent support and corporate vision, saying: “FCMB’s unwavering commitment to the Enactus movement has gone beyond sponsorshipit is a true collaboration rooted in shared values of innovation, inclusion, and youth empowerment. The bank’s belief in the potential of Nigerian students has helped us deliver measurable impact in dozens of communities. FCMB has shown what it means to be a changemaker, not just in word, but in action.” At the event, FCMB reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building, innovation, and sustainable development. Omoniyi Iyanda, Head of CSR and Sustainability, who represented the bank, said:   “We are honoured to receive this recognition from Enactus Nigeria, an organisation whose work aligns with FCMB’s purpose of fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. Our partnership with Enactus reflects our belief in young Nigerians as catalysts for economic transformation. By equipping them with skills, resources, and a platform to lead social change, we are building a future where innovation drives prosperity for all.” Over the years, FCMB has played a key role in helping Enactus Nigeria expand its impact across tertiary institutions by providing students with the tools, training, and support they need to develop innovative solutions to real community challenges. Through the annual Enactus Challenge, the Bank has supported students in discovering their potential and turning their ideas into practical, visible projects that drive sustainable development. These projects span clean energy, agribusiness, financial literacy, and gender equality. This recognition highlights FCMB’s role as one of Nigeria’s most socially responsible banks. Beyond CSR, the Bank drives entrepreneurship and community development by promoting economic inclusion, giving individuals and small businesses better access to financial tools, training, and growth opportunities. The post Enactus Honours FCMB for Youth-Led Social Impact appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has died at the age of 91, bringing an end to a reign that spanned more than six decades.

Adetona passed away on Sunday, just hours after the death of his longtime friend and Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, was announced, marking a poetic close to a friendship forged in the fire of history.

Crowned on April 2, 1960, Adetona reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history.

His bond with Buhari stretched back to the 1980s and was solidified under extraordinary circumstances. In 1983, then Ogun State governor, Olabisi Onabanjo, had signed off on Adetona’s deposition, with the removal set to take effect on January 2, 1984.

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However, fate and history had other plans. On December 31, 1983, Buhari, then a military general, overthrew Nigeria’s civilian government in a coup. The shake-up not only derailed Onabanjo’s plan but also preserved Adetona’s throne.

Just weeks before his passing, the Awujale was noticeably absent from the 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, where he is traditionally the main attraction. His absence on June 8 sparked concern among attendees, but organisers quickly reassured the public.

Dr. Fassy Yusuff, the festival’s coordinator and a former Ogun State Commissioner for Information, explained that the monarch had recently been discharged from a Lagos hospital on June 5 and was recuperating at home. “A normal situation. Nothing to worry about,” Yusuff said at the time. In his place, Olori Kemi Adetona, the Awujale’s wife, represented him at the event, receiving dignitaries and well-wishers on his behalf.

Awujale’s death leaves a deep vacuum in traditional leadership and marks the end of an era in Ijebuland’s storied history.

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