Senator Ireti Kingibe Criticizes Nigerian Youths for Complacency and Lack of Constructive Engagement

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Nigerian Senate, has stirred conversation following remarks about the attitude of Nigerian youths toward governance and national development.

Speaking during a media briefing, Senator Kingibe expressed concern over what she perceives as widespread complacency among young Nigerians. According to her, instead of taking meaningful steps toward change, many youths resort to complaints and online insults.

“I have said it, Nigerian youths are complacent. They are quiet, all they do is grumble. We need to have constructive interactions. All I hear is grumbling and insults. That is not helpful. The country belongs to the youths — they should own it.”

She criticized the lack of organized, sustained action, noting that while threats of protests or strikes often trend online, they rarely materialize into real impact.

“Instead of a proper agenda or programme, they will threaten a strike that everybody knows they are not going to go on. How does that achieve anything?” she asked.

When pressed on what steps Nigerian youths should take to reclaim their stake in the country, the senator urged them to become more involved in the democratic process and national development.

“This is your country, own it. I do not have another country, so we have to make it work. We have to do whatever is necessary to make sure this country works for everybody.”

Kingibe also highlighted a lack of collective accountability and political pressure on elected leaders:

“I haven’t seen a concerted complaint. All I see from most people is about ‘me’. I want to see something. I am sure other leaders want to see something too. All I see are young people who complain and constantly insult their leaders. They do not constructively engage their leaders.”

Her comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that youth engagement needs more direction, while others criticize her for overlooking the challenges faced by young Nigerians trying to push for change.

Watch her speak below:

"Nigerian youths do nothing but complain. It's time they rise, confront politicians like Wike, and take back their country." – Senator Ireti Kingibe
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— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) May 4, 2025