Endsars and Problems Facing Nigerian Youth in the Realization of Their Full Potentials: a Study of Two Congregations

ENDSARS AND PROBLEMS FACING NIGERIAN YOUTH IN THE REALIZATION OF THEIR FULL POTENTIALS: A STUDY OF TWO CONGREGATIONS

REV. SR. MARIA CHIBUONU EZEOBI DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE LOVE NATIONAL TEACHERS INSTITUTE ABUJA NIGERIA FACULTY OF EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY EDUCATION/CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES [email protected] Phone: 08036374135

Abstract This study is aimed at finding out the problems facing Nigerian youths in the realization of their full potentials. A society without the youth is really heading for ruin. They are the basic life wire of any society and future of the Church. The whole of this work is divided into five chapters; the first chapter is an overview of what the problem is all about. The second chapter is a review of the study as observed by other researchers, while the third chapter is on the research methodology. Then chapter four comprises the presentation and analysis of data, research findings and discussions. Finally, in chapter five, conclusion is drawn, and recommendations made for further studies, with works cited at the end.

Introduction generation to the next. It is in view of this that we look up to the youths for a Who Is A Youth? greater development in our world. Hence, a nation or community without It has been the desire of every nation, the youths is actually heading for society, institution, family even the damnation. Church that its culture, beliefs, customs and norms, especially the relevant ones Considering this, a youth is therefore, be held firm and preserved from one defined in many ways, based on how an UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 361

UNIJERP Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org ACADEMICJOURNALS 2021 Impact Factor: 5.641; 2020 Impact Factor: 5.355 January-June, 2021 expand your knowledge Indexing and Impact Factor URL: http://sjifactor.com/passport.php?id=21363 http://www.academicjournals.org individual perceives it. Whenever divine love, capable of building a future “youth” is mentioned what comes to a hope for all humanity. He added, layman’s mind is a person who is “Youth is a special state of hope unmarried, a young person, a vigorous because it looks to the future with a and dynamic person. The Oxford whole range of expectations. Youth is a Advanced Learners Dictionary asserts state when decisive choices concerning that youth is “when a person is young the rest of our lives come to perfection. especially the time before he/she becomes an adult.” It is also a state or Fr. T. Onoyima declares that the youth quality of being young or young people are those between the age of sixteen and considered as a group. They are the thirty, in all, their action categorizes basic life wire of any society and the them. Pope John Paul II, in his address future of the Church, our future leaders to the youths, during his visit to Nigeria and our future generations. They are the in 1982 points that, “youth is the age of source of creativity, energy and hope, of promise, of enthusiasm, of initiative of dynamism and social plans and ideas”. Also, the World Bank renewal. defines youth as a state in a person’s life between childhood and adulthood. Contextually speaking, youth is experienced within the age range of 15- Youthful Exuberance 40; early youth is from 15-25 while late This refers to the force, energy and youth is from 26-40. Those within this enthusiasm that push youths into taking range are believed to be ambitious, so many actions without considering the stubborn, rebellious, immoral, atheistic consequences. Since they are referred to and unrecollected. In addition there are as the work force of every nation, they some outstanding positive behaviors that have the ability to exercise any function youths within that range also exbit or task with the fullness of energy, which includes; active, reflective, excitement and happiness. Most of these available, serviceable, and eager to actions undertaken by youths with their learn. In 2008, the Pontiff Pope youthful energy, which other people, Benedict XVI urged the young people to that is, the aged and children cannot do let themselves be shaped by the Holy with such excitement, are all caused by Spirit in order to be messengers of youthful exuberance. In the society, UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 362

UNIJERP Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org ACADEMICJOURNALS 2021 Impact Factor: 5.641; 2020 Impact Factor: 5.355 January-June, 2021 expand your knowledge Indexing and Impact Factor URL: http://sjifactor.com/passport.php?id=21363 http://www.academicjournals.org some of the things that are seen as they should know or as a result of their taboos by the elders are done by the exuberances. Even those that graduated youths irrespective of the consequences. from different universities after youth Some of the difficult tasks are services are still wonder at home undertaken by youths. Sometimes, they looking for white collar job that is not are condemned as being naturally bad; coming soon. The end sars saga was an they are not, but are prone to negative accumulated anger because youths are influences in the society. waiting for the fulfillment of their The youth are “quick” in responding to destiny by hoping upon hope. Will these any call, showing their eagerness and dreams come through? could it be that enthusiasm. The excitement and youths should look for skill and creative happiness with which they do their work jobs, to identify their potentials and make them to pull mountains. Most of follow it up. That is why this study the youths are optimistic, and with such, seeks to identify Problems facing they pursue their goal in life. A youth Nigerian Youths in the realization of cannot stay back and watch things done their full potentials. wrongly or go wrong. Most of them are known as the “Peter” of today because Scope and Limitation Of The Study. of their impetuousness. When such This study is meant to look into some of happens, they always have solutions for the problems associated with our youths such problems. They plunge head -long of today, which hinder them from into the existential ocean of corruption, achieving their potentials in life. It will yet they are open to accept re- delimit the survey to two formation orientation, correction, sound directions, houses of religious congregations, ethical counseling and adults’ Daughters of Divine Love Novitiate exemplary life. Abakpa Nike Enugu and Holy Rosary Novitiate Abakpa Nike Enugu. Statement of the Problem. The purpose of the scope is to know the It is observed that youths are faced with problems that are hindering them from so many problems which hinder them their maximum support to the nation as from achieving their goal as our future youths not withstanding that they are in hope. These problems are either as a the formation houses. In this study, first result of their ignorance of the things year novices of both congregations are UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 363

UNIJERP Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org ACADEMICJOURNALS 2021 Impact Factor: 5.641; 2020 Impact Factor: 5.355 January-June, 2021 expand your knowledge Indexing and Impact Factor URL: http://sjifactor.com/passport.php?id=21363 http://www.academicjournals.org used. A sample of 10 written and updating of the 2009 National questionnaires will be selected at Youth Policy. The new document is all random from each congregation. The inclusive, elaborate and proactively answers obtained from these crafted to take into account exiting, new congregations as case study will be used and emerging challenges in the youth to assess what is happening outside as sector. The review process itself took far as the problems associated with into consideration the guidelines youths are concerned. originating from best practices as There are so many problems facing synthesized under the United Nations. Nigerian youths in the realization of The ministry and its partners moved their full potential but because of the beyond the guidelines to add areas scope of the research and constraints of peculiar to Nigeria setting such that the time and money, the researcher has new policy has 3 strategic thrusts, 10 limited herself to selected problems thematic areas and 21 objectives and mentioned above. commits to evidence based approach. The review also incorporated a Review of Related Literature pragmatic approach to policy Nigeria’s youth plays key role in our formulation; it emphasized the need for National Development efforts hence our a coherent, systematic and administration has enunciated a clear comprehensive approach to the policy framework to ensure that the determination of good programmes for enabling environment is created for the youth. The new National Youth them to maximally realize their creative Policy is a product of an all-inclusive, and productive potentials. Appropriate participatory and consultative meetings strategies to mainstream youth concerns with various stakeholders across the into our national development efforts length and breadth of the country as are receiving priority attention in order well as International Development to properly face up to the challenges Partners. The participatory approach to thrown up by our commitment to human the design of the policy has heightened capital development with special awareness and provided opportunities emphasis on our vibrant youth. The for various actors to articulate their Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports views and make inputs into the new Development has completed the review policy. The approach also promoted UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 364

Policy Highlights Policy Mission

The National Youth Policy represents a To provide stakeholders in youth declaration and commitment to the development an all-inclusive framework priorities, directions and practical that will ensure the realisation of the full supports that a country intends to potentials of all Nigerian young men provide for the development of its and women irrespective of their ethnic, young men and women. It is a concrete religious, and socio-economic and bold step to put the development background. and participation of youth at the centre of national development efforts. It is Policy Goal indicative of the readiness of the To provide an appropriate framework Government and people of Nigeria to that protects the fundamental human meet the needs and aspirations of the rights of all youth, promote their youth as well as seek a solution to their optimal development and well-being, problems. It sets guidelines and provides and enhance their participation in every the framework for all stakeholders to

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UNIJERP Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org ACADEMICJOURNALS 2021 Impact Factor: 5.641; 2020 Impact Factor: 5.355 January-June, 2021 expand your knowledge Indexing and Impact Factor URL: http://sjifactor.com/passport.php?id=21363 http://www.academicjournals.org sphere of national development workforce through appropriate processes. quality education and skills development, adequate Target Population opportunities for productive employment and successful The National Youth Policy broadly entrepreneurship that will enable targets all young people in Nigeria them to live economically between the ages of 15 and 29 years, empowered lives and make while recognising that youth are not a sustainable contributions to national homogeneous group in terms of needs development, as well as and circumstances. Therefore, the policy strategically position the country aims to provide a basis for interventions for the achievement of to appropriately address the specific and demographic dividends. special needs of each of several 2. Health and Health-Promoting identified target groups. In this regard, Lifestyle: Fostering the health this policy categorises the target development of youth through population into three groups: low-risk appropriate health systems and youth, especially vulnerable youth, and supportive social sector actions and most-at-risk youth. health related behaviours geared towards the attainment of physical, Strategic Thrusts social, mental, and spiritual well- The strategic thrusts of this Policy are being to enable young people live five cross-sectoral developmental pillars meaningful and fulfilling lives, and that are fundamental to enabling youth contribute appropriately to the to transit to self-fulfilled and productive achievement of a healthier and adulthood with opportunities for full, more productive society. effective and constructive participation, 3. Participation, inclusiveness and in line with the Policy vision and equitable opportunities for all mission. These are: Youth: Address barriers to 1. Productive Workforce and meaningful youth engagement in Sustainable Economic Engagement civil and political affairs, and of Youth: Development of youth enhance opportunities for into a productive and committed constructive involvement and UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 366

meaningful participation of all Nigeria youth in community and social development, political Youths, Society and End SARs processes and governance agenda at Protest all levels, to the limit of their The youths, as earlier written, are the ability, desires and experience. basic life wire of any society. In fact, 4. Promotive and Protective they are the hope of every society. A Environment for Youth promising youth however stores for the Development: Ensure an enabling society positive habits that would make environment that is supportive of him/her noble and a respectful future optimal development of youth and leader. His/her duties stretch further to protective of their fundamental making a remarkable and beautiful human rights, thereby ensuring impact by working towards the good of inclusion, equal opportunities for the society, while strength and zeal still development and freedom from exist in him/her, suffice it to say that abuse, violence, intimidation and youth are naturally energy - packed, and discrimination. full of curiosity to know what is 5. Partnership-building and effective happening around the society and in the collaboration: Enhance cooperation, world. They find themselves especially collaboration and synergy among in terms of science and technology so as all stakeholders as well as sustain to encourage new inventions and ideals the inter-sectoral and multisectoral in the society. dynamic of youth development agenda through the creation of They are capable of undertaking relevant supportive structures and various tasks for the interest of their partnership engagement society and themselves. They are the frameworks driven by competent talented hopes and heroes of every and committed professionals, to nation, thus, they have lots of ensure the maximum impact of responsibilities to play in the youth-focused programmes and development of the society. activities on the individual and the society.( Solomon, 2019) – They are to protect the interest of their fellow citizens. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 367

– They are to work at all costs to crimes made against the Nigerian prevent violence. Military will be investigated.

– They are to be loyal to the elders. The Constitution allows for a broad use

– They are expected to act as law of lethal force, including for the defence defenders for the development of the of property while the provisions of the nation. Code of Criminal Procedure, the – Youths are to serve the society by Administration of Criminal Justice Act, placing their physical and and the Police Order 237 authorize the intellectual abilities at their service. use of force without adequately

– They preserve and strengthen social restricting the nature of the force and and national solidarity. setting out the principles of necessity or

– They are to preserve the African and proportionality. These laws were human cultural values in their criticised in the 2006 Report of then relation with other members of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial society. killings (E/CN.4/2006/53/Add.4, paras. 47 and 105(c) and were singled out by Widespread excessive use of force on the UN Human Rights Committee youths lead to EndSARs protest Concluding observations on The Government has acknowledged in Nigeria published on 25 July 2019 2016 that “in the course of security (CCPR/C/NGA/CO/R.2, paras. 26 and operations against Boko Haram in 27). I can only concur with these North-East Nigeria and recently in the critiques. context of countering militant and There are countless allegations of separatist groups like the Islamic excessive use of force by the police Movement of Nigeria (IMN), the force. Officers of the unit established in Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), 2006 to fight violent crimes including and the Niger Delta Avengers, the armed robbery and kidnapping (Special Nigerian Military has been accused of Anti Robbery Squad or SARS) have been extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrarily 14 accused of human rights violations, arrest and detention” . The report including widespread torture, in some further states that all allegations of cases leading deaths in custody, and torture, extrajudicial killings and war

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 Sunday, 4th October 2020  A viral message broadcast on social  As Social media protest raged on, media suggested men of the Special Nigeria’s Minister for State for Anti-Robbery Squad SARS had Labour, Festus Keyamo revealed gunned down a Nigerian youth, the young man was not dead and snatched his car, and sped off with shared a picture of him in a it. The person who recorded the hospital with head wounds. video can be heard making frantic  The Nigerian Police Force, through the Inspector General of UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 369

Police, announced the ban of disbandment of the Special Anti- SARS members and other Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of Tactical Squads from carrying out the Nigeria Police Force, as part of routine patrols and other the push for reforms in the police conventional low-risk duties, stop system to put an end to the extra- and search duties, checkpoints, judicial activities of the agency. mounting of roadblocks, traffic Youths were seen marching to the checks, etc with immediate effect. Force Headquarters at Ikeja,  Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo carrying placards with various disclosed that President inscriptions such as “Protect, not Muhammadu Buhari wants to see exploit”, “Nigeria police stop reforms in the Nigerian Police killing us,” amongst other printed Force.“We reviewed several of messages. these issues. The President and I  This was the start of a 14-day have had discussions on this, he is protest that eventually turned very concerned about it. He wants violent and hijacked by hoodlums. to see reforms.”  The Speaker of the House of Reps,  House of Rep member, Femi Gbajabiamila says that the Honourable Akin Alabi filed a House will draft new legislation to motion with the House of Reps to establish a system of dissolve the Federal Special Anti- accountability for the Nigerian Robbery Squad (FSARS). Alabi police. who represents Ona-Ara/Egbeda Federal Constituency of Oyo Thursday, October 8th, 2020 State disclosed his intentions to  Nigerian musicians join protests dissolve the Unit today and the showing their support for the issue is set to be discussed during calls to #ENDSARS. the plenary session this week.  Nigerian artistes such as Tiwa Savage, Runtown, Falz, Wulrd, and DJ Spinal were amongst the Wednesday, 7th October 2020 first to join the protest carrying  Youths in Lagos State set out for a placards that said: “No to three-day protest to call for the SARS”. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 370

 Meanwhile, The Inspector has noted the protests against General of Police (IGP), the brutality of the Special Mohammed Adamu, warned Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) against attacks on law and says it agrees that such acts enforcement officers by the of brutality must stop. ENDSARS protesters following  The management of Flutterwave the reported murder of one Inc announced the opening of a policeman, injury to another, and public fund aimed at catering alleged stealing of arms and for the medical bills of those ammunition by the protesters. injured during the protest against the brutality of officers Friday, 9th October 2020 of the Federal Anti-Robbery  The Nigerian Bar Squad. Association condemn the serial  President Buhari through his breaches of the fundamental Twitter handle revealed he had rights of Nigerians by officers ordered the Inspector General of the Federal Special Anti- of Police to address Nigerians Robbery Squad (FSARS) and appealing for calm and urged that the Police put in patience. “The IG already has place demonstratable measures my firm instructions to to ensure proper enforcement conclusively address the and monitoring of the new concerns of Nigerians regarding directives. these excesses, & ensure erring  Former Vice President, Atiku personnel are brought to justice. Abubakar says he condemns I appeal for patience & calm, any use of force on #EndSARS even as Nigerians freely protesters across the nation and exercise their right to urges the FG to listen to the peacefully make their views youth and investigate the use of known force on protesters.  Lagos State through its Gbenga Saturday, 10th of October 2020 Omotoso, Commissioner for  Other startups joined Information and Strategy said it Flutterwave in raising funds to UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 371

support the EndSARS protest the protest from social media to and stop police brutality. The the streets. funds were also to be channeled towards treating victims of Sunday, 11th October 2020 Police Brutality.  The Inspector-General of  The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Police, Mohammed Makinde questioned why State Adamu, via his Twitter Governors are called Chief handle, disclosed that the Security Officers and don’t operations of the Federal have the necessary powers to Special Anti-Robbery Squad control police force. The (FSARS) has been dissolved Governor disclosed this in a across all 36 states and the statement while reacting to the Federal Capital with immediate death of Jimoh Isiaka, a effect. protester killed by the Federal  The first major gathering of Special Anti-Robbery Squad protests along the Lekki-Epe (FSARS) on Saturday. expressway took place  Isiaka was allegedly killed by disrupting the traffic along the the Nigerian Police on Saturday 49.5-kilometer road. in Ognomosho over the  Iconic images of the #EndSARS protests against protests start to spread across police brutality. The Police social media spurring more claimed they did not shoot young Nigerians into joining protesters. Makinde received the protest to show solidarity. the news of Isiaka’s passing  Most motorists did not get home with “deep sadness” after he till early in the morning the was declared dead at the Bowen next day, some as late as 3 am. University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso Monday, 12th October 2020  The killing of Jimoh Isiaka  Protesters gathered at the Lekki angered more protesters leading VI toll gate making it the to a massive coalition to move epicenter of the call for the End of SARS. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 372

 President Buhari addressed the He disclosed this in a social SARS protest in his first media statement on Monday televised speech saying, “The evening, after the Lagos disbanding of SARS is only the protests turned violent, as first step in our commitment to police allegedly attacked extensive police reforms in protesters in Surulere, Lagos. order to ensure that the primary  Olumide Akpata, President of duty of the police and other law the Nigerian Bar enforcement agencies remains Association(NBA), said the the protection of lives and association is working to secure livelihood of our people.” the release of protesters in the  The protest was now over a #EndSARS protests. week old.  Police shootings were reported  Meanwhile, reports on Social around Surulere, a suburb in Media indicates protesters were Lagos with one protester being attacked by Police in an allegedly killed by the Police. attempt to quell the protests. Social media video also  Amnesty revealed a Police officer shot International announces that the from an alleged friendly fire. Nigerian Police Force has  The Lagos State Government killed 10 persons since the anti- says reports of a protester police brutality protests started getting killed in last week against the Federal Surulere #EndSARS protests Special Anti-Robbery Squad was not true, and that the (FSARS) casualty was a bystander who  The Governor of Rivers was hit by hoodlums trying to State, Nyesom free two suspects standing trial Wike announced that all forms for alleged kidnapping. of protest have been banned in  Nigerian celebrity and superstar, the state, therefore the proposed Davido meets with the IG of #EndSARS protest in Port Police in Abuja calling for a Harcourt for Tuesday 13th psychological reevaluation of October 2020 should not hold. Policemen. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 373

#EndSARS protesters across the country.  Despite the ban of protesting Tuesday, 13th October 2020 activities in Rivers  The Lagos State Government set State, residents of Port Harcourt up a N200 million fund for defied the Governor and residents in the states who have marched to the Government been victims of police brutality. House while chanting the song This was made known by the “solidarity forever”. state governor, Babajide  Nigeria’s immediate past Sanwo-Olu while addressing president, Goodluck protesters in Alausa, Ikeja area Jonathan weighed in on the of Lagos State. protest, saying that Nigerians  He requested a list of names of don’t deserve to lose their lives Lagos State residents that have while protesting peacefully for been affected by police the advancement of their brutality. country.  The Inspector-General of  The Inspector-General of Police, Police announced the set up of Mohammed Adamu ordered the a new Police outfit known as personnel of the disbanded Special Weapons and Tactics Special Anti-Robbery Squad Team (SWAT) to take over (SARS) to report to the force from the dissolved Special headquarters in Abuja for Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). debriefing, psychological and  He also ordered all personnel of medical examination. the disbanded unit to report to the force headquarters in Abuja Wednesday, 14th October 2020 for debriefing, psychological  The Federal and medical examination. Government declared that no  The Presidential Panel on Police Police Officer of any unit is Reforms set up by the allowed to look into people’s government met and okayed the phones, or look at the type of five demands made by the vehicle they are using, or UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 374

profiling them to see whether  Billionaire boss of the leading they are yahoo boys or not. The social media platform Twitter, Inspector-General of police also and payments company Square, stated that “Justice will be Jack Dorsey, joined the done. An investigation team support of the #EndSARS will be constituted which will protest that has overtaken include Civil Society Nigeria. His tweet was the first Organisations (CSOs), to major social media support identify all abuses, and officers from a Founder of a social that are found culpable will be media platform. punished.”  Chairman of Flutterwave Thursday, 15th October 2020 denies he personally directed  The popular hacking group, the suspension of the fintech Anonymous claimed via its firm’s payment platform. Twitter handle, that it had  One of the leading NGOs breached some Nigerian currently campaigning against government websites. This was police brutality in the start of many other hacking Nigeria, Feminist Coalition of government social media announced that it had raised the assets. total sum of N37,355,149.48 in  One of the most revered men in crowdfunding for the protest Nigeria, the General Overseer which is aimed at supporting of the Redeemed Christian protesters. Church of God (RCCG), Pastor  FinTech advocates reveal plans E. A. Adeboye says he supports to start adopting the peaceful #EndSARS cryptocurrencies to raise protests. funds to support to protest. This  The Federal Capital Territory was in reaction to rumours that Administration the CBN had instructed banks (FCTA) announced that all to stop allowing their platforms street demonstrations have been to be used to raise funds. banned after a wave of #EndSARS protests in the city UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 375

due to police brutality. This  The Minister for Africa for the came on the back of protesters UK Government, James still actively demonstrating on Duddridge MP, says the United the streets, despite the Federal Kingdom is monitoring the Government scrapping the unit. #EndSARS protests in Nigeria  The Governor of Lagos and called for a peaceful police State disclosed that the State reform process. Government has arrested and is  The Vice President of Nigeria, currently probing police Yemi Osinbajo, broke his officers that were involved in silence on the #EndSARS brutalizing protesters at the protests to announce that the 36 Surulere protest venue. State Governors and the FCT  The Nigerian Governors Forum Minister will set up judicial (NGF) demanded that all the panels of inquiry that will adopt police officers who participated public hearings. in actions that led to injury or  The Central Bank of Nigeria death of Nigerians must be (CBN) has debunked rumours brought to justice. This was that its website was hacked. disclosed by the Ekiti State Information on social media Governor and NGF Chairman, suggests the Apex bank had its Kayode Fayemi, on after the website hacked. governors, held a meeting with  The National Human Rights the Inspector General of Police, Commission Mohammed Adamu. (NHRC) announced that it has constituted members of an Friday, 16th October 2020 independent investigation panel  The Police Service into the activities of the Commission reportedly listed dissolved SARS, as the Federal the names of 37 former Government finds a way to end members of the disbanded the nationwide protests. Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for dismissal from Saturday, 17th October 2020 service. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 376

 The Governor of Lagos the protesters nationwide State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo- through effective and timely Olu announced through his communication. official Twitter handle, that the  The Senate President, Ahmed trial of the erring police officers Lawan called for an end to the who were allegedly involved in #EndSARS protests after a the attack on #EndSARS closed-door meeting with Protesters in Surulere, which President Muhammadu Buhari led to the death of one of them and the Speaker of the House of had started on Friday, October Representatives, Femi 16, 2020. Gbajabiamila at the State  The Nigerian Army announced House in Abuja. that it will commence a  The Governor of Lagos State, nationwide Exercise Crocodile Babajide Sanwo- Smile VI from the 20th of Olu announced the terms of October to the 31st of reference of the Judicial Panel December. It will be a cyber of Inquiry and Restitution into warfare exercise designed to abuses by the Special Anti- identify, track, and counter Robbery Squad (SARS). negative propaganda on social  The #EndSARS protesters media. Meanwhile, the military reportedly blocked the later claims it was not targeted headquarter of the Central at protesters. Banks of Nigeria in Abuja so as  By now protests had spread to prevent activities at the apex nationwide with many other bank on Monday. cities joining in to demand an  Meanwhile, the former Lagos end to SARS. State Governor and National Leader of the ruling All Sunday, 18th October 2020 Progressives Congress (APC),  #EndSARS protesters launched a Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reacted to helpline center and an online media reports that he was radio platform named ‘Soro among those sponsoring Soke’ to aid the coordination of #EndSARS protesters across UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 377

the country. While denying the #EndSARS protest that has in allegation and exonerating some cases gone out of hand as himself, Tinubu advised suspected hoodlums were Nigerians to jettison the news. reportedly attacking protesters  The Lekki/Ikoyi tollgates were and pro-SARS groups. unblocked by protesters  Meanwhile, protesters continued allowing for vehicular their protests at the Lekki Toll movement. Plaza with more youth pouring into the streets of Lagos. Monday, 19th October 2020 Reports indicate the protest had  Lagos State cost was adversely affecting the Government inaugurated an 8- Lagos economy. A Lagos State man Judicial Panel of Inquiry Government source revealed and Restitution to investigate they had lost at least N234m to cases of police brutality in the the closure of tollgates since the state. This was disclosed by the commencement of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide #EndSARS protests, although Sanwo-Olu, who cited Section the state has continued to 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, generate money from adverts at Laws of Lagos State, 2015 as a the toll plazas. legal justification to set up the panel. Tuesday, 20th October 2020  EdoStateGovernment announce  The Speaker of the Federal dthe imposition of a 24-hour House of Representatives, Femi curfew across the state with Gbajabiamila, vowed that he effect from 4pm. This was due will not sign off the 2021 to incidents of vandalism and Appropriation Bill presently attacks reportedly carried out before the National Assembly if by hoodlums who hijacked the adequate provisions are not #EndSARS protests. made for the compensation of  Soldiers were deployed to the the families of the victims of streets of Abuja and stationed police brutality and meeting the in strategic places to curb the UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 378

demands of the Academic Staff State was set on fire by Union of Universities (ASUU). suspected thugs. Eyewitnesses  Suspected miscreants and who shared videos via their arsonists burnt down the Dutse Twitter accounts said the Makaranta police station in reprisal attacks were allegedly the Kubwa area of Abuja. This fueled by the shooting of one is after the clash between person in that area by policemen and #EndSARS policemen. protesters in the area where a  The United States embassy and protester, Anthony Onome, was consulate in stabbed on Saturday and a stray Nigeria, announced the shutting bullet hit and killed another down of its consulate in Lagos protester, who died on the spot. State for two days with effect  At 11:49 am, the Lagos State from Tuesday, October 20, Government announced the 2020, due to the hijacked imposition of a 24-hour curfew #EndSARS protests. in all parts of the state, with  US airline Delta turns back effect from 4 pm Tuesday, passenger airline en route to October 20, 2020. This was due Nigeria from the United States. to the hijacked #EndSARS The airline had a stopover in protests in the state, where Dakar Senegal but had to go hoodlums attacked citizens and back to the US after several destroyed properties. reports of violence. The airline  At about 4 pm, the IG of canceled subsequent flights into Nigerian Police Force, M.A Nigeria. Adamu, ordered the immediate  Meanwhile, The Nigerian Civil nationwide deployment of anti- Aviation Authority riot police unit, Police Mobile (NCAA) denied the alleged Force (PMF), over attacks on shut of the nation’s airspace police facilities by hoodlums due to the unrest, arising from during the #EndSARS protests. the hijacked #EndSARS  About noon, a police station in protests in Lagos, Abuja, and the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 379

some other states in the Omotoso, via his Twitter country. handle.  Former US Presidential Lekki Toll Shooting Candidate, Hillary Clinton,  At about 6.45 pm Tuesday, calls on President Muhammadu October 20th, several social Buhari’s administration and the media Nigerian Army to stop the accounts revealed peaceful killing of young protesters in protesters were allegedly the country. Several other being shot at by the Nigerian notable leaders across the world military at the Lekki toll gate start tweeting about the alleged holdout. “massacre” at the Lekki Toll.  Lagos State Government had  At around 11 pm, GT Bank’s issued a directive to extend the branch on Admiralty Way, enforcement of its 24hour Lekki, Lagos state was curfew from 4 pm today to 9 allegedly set ablaze in the pm, to enable residents stuck in middle of the night by traffic get to their destinations. hoodlums disguised as This was disclosed by the State #EndSARS protesters. This was Governor, Mr. Babajide disclosed by eyewitnesses Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday evening around the affected branch, via the state’s official Twitter through their respective Twitter handle. accounts.  At about 10 pm, the Lagos State Government orders Wednesday, 21st October 2020 an investigation into the Lekki  The Inspector-General of Toll Plaza shooting that was Police (IGP), Mohammed allegedly done by men of the Adamu ordered the withdrawal Nigerian Army on Tuesday of all Police Officers attached evening. This was disclosed in to Very Important Persons a statement issued by the state’s (VIPs) across the country, with Commissioner of Information the exemption of those in and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Government houses, the Senate UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 380

President and the Speaker of building. This was disclosed by the House of Representatives. some residents, who sent videos  Lagos State on social media. Government suspended all  The headquarters of government activities and the Nigerian Ports declared lockdown for 72 hours Authority in Marina, Lagos in view of growing violence in was also reportedly set on fire the state. The Governor had by hoodlums involved in the earlier visited the injured #EndSARS protests. protesters at the hospitals where  Around 1 am, The Nigerian they received treatment and Army took to their official also stated via a broadcast that Twitter handle there was no record of fatality and denied deploying soldiers in the controversial Lekki Toll to attack #EndSARS protesters Plaza shooting on Tuesday. who defied the imposed curfew  Lagos State Governor Jide and peacefully assembled at the Sanwo-Olu confirms two Lekki Toll Plaza. people had died as a result of  Nigerian football players, local the Lekki Shooting. and international  The United Kingdom High celebrities take to their Twitter Commission in handle to condemn the alleged Nigeria announced the shooting of protesters at the shutdown of its VISA Lekki Tollgate. application centers in Nigeria for the next 48 hours, with Thursday, 22nd October 2020 immediate effect, due to the  In an interview session with ongoing #EndSARS protests in Arise TV, the Governor of the country. Lagos State, Mr. Babajide  Television Continental Sanwo-Olu said that the (TVC) station in the Ikosi-Ketu curfew initially imposed for 72 area of Lagos state has been hours could be lifted partially allegedly burnt down by within 24 hours, to allow hoodlums who attacked the UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 381

Lagosians re-stock on food and indeed deeply pained that critical household items. innocent lives have been lost.  The Governor also responded to These tragedies are uncalled for the question on who ordered the and unnecessary.” removal of the CCTV at the toll  Most critics on social media gate and the switching off of expressed anger, as they felt his the light. “Nobody ordered, speech to the nation, did not they were the security of LCC mention the Lekki Tollgate on the ground. I called the shooting. security of LCC that night and because of the curfew they took Friday, 23rd October 2020 off the installation. That  In his speech, President camera that you saw is not a Muhammadu Buhari pointed security camera it is a laser out that the promptness with camera that picks your number which the Federal Government plate… The security camera is acted in meeting the demands still available. The Managing of the #EndSARS protesters Director of LCC does not have seemed to have been a reporting line to me.” misconstrued as a sign of  Sanwo -Olu said he is yet to weakness and twisted by some speak with the President, for their selfish unpatriotic following the Lekki shootings interests. Most critics saw this that occurred on Tuesday as a disguised threat against evening further protests.  Later in the evening by 7 pm,  Lagos State Governor, Babajide Nigeria’s President Buhari Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State addresses the country in a government is working towards nationwide broadcast. In his stabilizing things across the remarks about the protest, the state and rebuilding through president said he was pained verification of victims and has that innocent lives were lost. called on youth leaders to “All these executed in the name provide representatives for a of the ENDSARS protests. I am judicial panel. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 382

 US Senate leader, Elizabeth incorrectly flagged the posts, Warren called for the United “Yesterday our systems were States to stand with the incorrectly flagging content in Nigerian people over the support of #EndSARS and #EndSARS protests to demand marking posts as false. We are justice and equality for the deeply sorry for this. The issue victims. has now been resolved, and we  President Muhammadu Buhari apologize for letting our presides over a National community down in such a time Security Council meeting with of need.” some former heads of state and  The Lagos State some security chiefs. Government eased the 24-hour  The Lagos State curfew which was earlier Government released a imposed on Tuesday, October schedule of cases to be heard in 2020, to now run from 6 pm to the criminal prosecution of 8 am. police officers for offenses  Coca-Cola Nigeria announced it related to violation of human made a donation of N20 rights in the state. Million to cover the medical  Feminist Coalition, a not-for- costs of victims of the profit organization and one of #EndSARS protests in the leading supporters of the hospitals. #EndSARS campaign, informed all Saturday, 24th October, 2020 financial supporters of the  With curfews announced around campaign to stop sending funds Nigeria, the #EndSARS to the group, while also protests have been halted. revealing plans for the However, in the diaspora, remaining donated funds. Nigerians picked up the pace of  Instagram apologized for its protests with protests recorded algorithm malfunction that lead in Zurich, Paris, New to the dismay of its users, Zealand , Berlin, Toronto, Belgi saying that its algorithm UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 383

um and other cities around the shootings, and announced that globe. the Judicial panel set up by the  The Mayor of Houston, state would include the incident Sylvester at Lekki toll gate. Turner announced that the  The Vice President of Nigeria, Houston City Hall would be lit Prof. Yemi Osinbajo told a US green and white in solidarity delegation that the proposed with the #EndSARS protests in reform of the Nigerian Police Nigeria. He said,”Houston is Force (NPF) will be a game- proud to be home of one of the changer in ensuring an end to largest Nigerian communities in impunity. He added that the country and stands with reforms have become Nigerians around the world necessitated by reports of calling for an end to the police brutality, extortion, violence against peaceful unlawful arrests, and demonstrations. Tonight, city extrajudicial killings. hall is lit green and white to  The British High Commissioner show our solidarity.” to Nigeria, Catriona  HumanAngle reported that Laing, disclosed The UK’s forensic evidence from videos willingness to support efforts recorded during the Lekki for genuine reform of the shootings reveals that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) recorded videos were authentic and to improve accountability. despite claims by the Nigerian  The Independent Petroleum Military that the videos were Marketers Association of doctored. Nigeria (IPMAN) warned of a  The Governor of Lagos State, looming petroleum scarcity in Babajide Sanwo- the country, following attacks Olu, announced that Lagos on fuel tankers and the State will not burn on his disruption of depot operations watch, as he tried to calm across the country by hoodlums things down after hoodlums who had hijacked the wreaked havoc post-Lekki #EndSARS protests. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 384

 Access Bank Nigeria police operational assets and Plc. announced N50 billion in resources to bring an end to the support of Nigerians through wanton violence, killings, interest-free loans and grants to looting and destruction of support communities, the public and private property, youths, and micro, small and and reclaim the public space medium-sized businesses. from criminal elements  Osun State Governor Gboyega masquerading as protesters in Oyetola announced a 24-hour some parts of the country,” the curfew in the state. The Police announced. decisionwas announced barely  Governor Hope Uzodimma of 24 hours after the initial Imo State approved N2 billion curfew, which was suspended. for youth empowerment,  Minister of Youth and Sports following a fruitful meeting Development, Mr. Sunday with a group of youths Dare, announced President associated with the #EndSARS Buhari will address Nigerians movement in the State. on the Lekki toll Plaza  After a long absence since the shootings, as he awaits the day of the Lekki Shooting.The outcome of the investigations former Lagos State Governor into the shootings of unarmed and the National Leader of the #EndSARS protesters by ruling All Progressives soldiers. Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed  The Inspector-General of Police, Tinubu, reacted to the outbreak Mohammed of violence during the curfews Adamu ordered the after the Lekki incident. “I immediate deployment of all didn’t go nowhere; I’m a police operational assets and Lagosian and I still hold the resources to bring an end to the title of Asiwaju of Lagos and I unrest. “The Inspector-General am still a Jagaban. Fake news of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, is all over the place. They say NPM, mni has ordered the Seyi my son was kidnapped and immediate mobilization of all was chased but look at him. I UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 385

didn’t pay a penny to bring him Martin Luther King here”, he said. Jr. called on the Federal Sunday, 25th October, 2020 Government of Nigeria to  6 time Formula 1 Champion, guarantee the freedom of Lewis Hamilton joined to raise peaceful protesters in Nigeria awareness about the as the #EndSARS protests draw #EndSARS protests on the more International attention same day he beat Micheal after the Lekki shootings. Schumacher’s record by  Minister of Finance, Zainab winning his 92nd Grand Prix. Ahmed, announced The Federal Hamilton said “We all have a Government launched a N25 responsibility to educate billion Youth Fund to address ourselves and raise awareness the #EndSARS protests and of the tragedies happening in other related youth restiveness the world around us and take in Nigeria. action where we can. The  Pope Francis called on the recent events in Nigeria are a Catholic faithful to pray against human rights crisis.” violence in Nigeria as events  The Nigerian diaspora continued relating to the #EndSARS protests as curfews limit protests and police brutality protests in Nigeria with protest continue to draw international recorded attention. in Dallas and Czech Republic.  The house of former House of  Lagos State Representative Speaker, Government announced that it Yakubu Dogara, was looted in will be prosecuting 229 Jos. An eye witness said, “They suspects who allegedly took broke into the house of the advantage of the #EndSARS former Speaker and attacked protests to vandalize and loot everyone, including Dogara’s public and private properties in brother, and (they) are different parts of the State. currently moving anything they  Martin Luther King III, son of see. In the process, the invaders late 60’s civil rights leader, moved several items – tricycles, UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 386

furniture, electronics, and other youth to sheathe their sword, valuables – out of the house.” and give peace a chance.  Governors of the South-West states pledged their supports to Monday, 26th October, 2020 their Lagos State counterpart,  Nigerians in diaspora continued as they described the protests with protests recorded coordinated attacks in the state in Philadelphia, Indonisia and as an attempt to weaken the Houston. region’s economy.  Senior Special Assistant to the  The Lagos State Governor, President on Media and Babajide Sanwo- Publicity, Garba Olu, reviewed the curfew Shehu, issued a statement on earlier imposed on the state to behalf of the president, help contain the large scale and explained that the violence following the hijacked President decided not to speak #EndSARS protests against on the shooting incident until police brutality and extra- he had access to all the facts. judicial killings. The curfew  President Muhammadu now starts at 8 pm and ends at 6 Buhari announced the Lagos am daily. State Judicial Panel has his full  The Lagos State support, and expressed Government revealed that 27 of confidence in the outcomes of the burnt Bus Rapid Transit other panels set up by states. (BRT) vehicles in the Oyingbo  The Minister for Works and and Ojodu Berger areas of the Housing, Mr. Babatunde state cost $200,000 each, while Fashola, on 57 of them cost $100,000 each, Sunday, discovered a hidden all totaling about N3.9 billion. camera at the Lekki Toll Gate,  The Pentecostal Fellowship of Admiralty Circle, Lagos, during Nigeria (PFN) sued for peace in an on the spot assessment. this critical time, the  The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) body urged the protesting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 387

(MAN),announced the creation (AIT) and Channels Television of N50million fund to support between N2million and those affected by the civil N3million. unrest spiked by the hijacked  The Speaker of the House of #EndSARS protests. Representatives, Femi  Kwara State Gbajabiamila disclosed that Government announced the Lagos State will need about N1 launch of a N500 million trillion for the reconstruction recovery fund for businesses and repair of the properties and whose properties were looted infrastructure that was and vandalized in the state by vandalized and destroyed by hoodlums who seized the hoodlums. #EndSARS protests to wreak  The Lagos Chamber of havoc on private and public Commerce and Industry properties. (LCCI), urged the Federal  The Ministry of Agriculture and Government to assist the Lagos Rural Development (FMARD), State Government to rebuild the warned that wheat seeds looted state’s assets destroyed by by hoodlums in Jos is not hoodlums, who hijacked the meant for consumption, as it is #EndSARS protest to vandalize poisonous. and loot government and  The National Broadcasting private properties. Commission, NBC, fined Nigerian media Tuesday, 27th October, 2020 houses including AIT,  Lagos State Judicial Panel on Channels TV and Arise News, police brutality commenced claiming they used unverifiable today and adjourned to Friday, video footages from social 30th Novermber, 2020 due to media to cover the #EndSARS petitioners not being available. protests. According to media  Protests continued in the reports, the regulators imposed Nigerian Diaspora, with reports various fines on Arise TV, of Nigerians protesting African Independent Television in Finland. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 388

 The Archbishop of Canterbury operatives to exercise restraint and Head of the Anglican in the handling of protests. Church, Justin Welby, warned that the deliberate shooting of unarmed Wednesday, 28th October, 2020 protesters in Lagos was an act  National Economic Council of outrage, and he urged for a (NEC), launched a path to peace, justice and committee to meet the needs reconciliation. and demands of Nigerian  Lagos State Governor, Babajide youths behind the #EndSARS Sanwo-Olu, announced that the protests. The head of the Lagos State Government would Committee is Vice President ensure that anyone found Yemi Osinbajo. culpable in last Tuesday’s  Oyo State shooting at the Lekki Toll Plaza Government launched a N500 would be held accountable for million MSME fund to fund their actions. The Governor youth entrepreneurs in the State said in an interview with with bright business ideas CNN’s Becky Anderson.  The Nigerian Army stated that  The Lagos State Governor, the alleged massacre of Babajide Sanwo- protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza is Olu, insisted that there were untrue, unfounded, and aimed only two confirmed deaths at causing anarchy in the during the shooting incident country and that their presence that happened a week ago at the was requested by the Lagos Lekki Tollgate. State Government to restore  The Economic Community of normalcy. West African States  Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, (ECOWAS), called on former Nigerian Minister of protesters to be peaceful in External Affairs, disclosed that conducting their protests and the judicial panels for inquiries urged Nigerian security have just two weeks to address all the issues raised by the UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 389

#EndSARS protesters, as allegedly broke down in tears failure to do so may drag on live TV for addressing youths back to the streets. #EndSARS protesters as  Speaker of Nigeria’s House of “Children.” Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said that some Friday, 30th October, 2020 of the demands of the youths  The Lagos State tribunal following the #EndSARS continued today and was protests would be addressed adjourned to Tuesday constitutionally, as part of the November 2nd. The Panels decision was to reform the visited the scene of the Lekki Police, in a quest to Toll gate shooting and found 5 accommodate a better Police bullets shells. Force.  The Inspector-General of Police, M.A Adamu, said that officers Thursday, 29th October, 2020 of the Nigeria Police Force  The Lagos State Governor, acted professionally and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said he exercised commendable will compensate the families of restraints during the protests, in policemen killed during the a response to Amnesty hijacked #EndSARS protests International about police firing that erupted in Lagos and at protesters.“Officers of the pledge to rebuild destroyed Nigeria Police Force acted police stations. professionally, exercised  Femi Adesina, Special Adviser commendable restraints and to the President on some paid the supreme price Media said the looting of for peace during the recent Covid-19 palliatives was not protests and ensuing violence only done out of hunger, but in some parts of the out of greed and criminality. country.“The Amnesty Int’l  Desmond Elliot, a member of the report is untrue, misleading, Lagos State House of and contrary to all available Assembly, apologised and UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 390

empirical evidence” the IGP  The Minister of Information and said. Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced that Saturday, 31st October, 2020 the Federal Government has no  Global popstar, plans of shutting down social Beyonce announced a call to media but must regulate it to donation and support for the prevent the spread of hate #EndSARS protests. “I listened speech. to the voices of some young  Lai Mohammed also stated that people from all parts of Africa the attack on The Nation and they are asking to be heard. newspaper and Television They have seen too much that Continental (TVC), is an attack is wrong and they are crying on free press. The media houses out for the world to listen were attacked by hoodlums through our actions” she said. during the curfew following the  The Nigerian Police unfortunate hijack of Force stated that about 205 #EndSARS protests. critical national security assets,  The Army said its unprofessional corporate facilities and private and against the operational properties were razed down and security of the organization to vandalized during the disclose the identities of EndSARS protest, which was soldiers deployed to Lekki hijacked by hoodlums and Tollgate on Tuesday, October arsonists. 20, 2020.  Lagos State Governor ,Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced lifting Monday, 2nd November, 2020 the curfew imposed on the state  President Muhammadu with immediate effect. Buhari announced that protests  Celebrities begin the WeMOVE cannot last indefinitely and has webinar to discuss the way called on youths to dialogue forward after the protests. with the government and engage in comprehensive Sunday, 1st November, 2020 reforms. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 391

 The President of the Nigerian pessimistic, and they lack self Bar Association (NBA), confidence, determination, and courage Olumide Akpata, stated that the in all they do, thereby allowing Federal Government’s plan to themselves to be ruled by inferiority introduce regulation of social complex. They need to resist the media after the #EndSARS inclination towards pessimism because protests are suspicious, as the studies show that optimists are healthier social media space is already and live longer than pessimists. Suffice regulated. (Vanguard, 2020). I it to say that optimism is a virtue that is don’t want talk more on this a source of strength and vitality to a endsars issue. promising future leader. A youth that is pessimistic in life sees everything in a Problems Facing Nigerian Youths In negative way. The Realization Of Full Potentials. Youths Relationship With God Youths, as our future hope must be Some youths have missed the mark for a recognized in all spheres of the superb future because they pay less economy, since they are focused in life attention to God who is the source of and zealous to work. Nigeria, as a nation life. They think they can make it on must try to recognize the importance their own, forgetting that the scripture and the role of the youths so as to enable says in Psalm 127 “That if the Lord does them come out with their maximum not build the house those who build it output. labor in vain,” and the fear of God is also the beginning of wisdom. So many factors can make youths not to St. John rightly puts thus, “Apart from achieve what is expected of them me you can do nothing” John 15:5. To especially as regards their place in our this a youth who is strongly rooted in future generation. God and has confidence in him, has all that is needed for a better tomorrow Pessimism because “One with God is majority; There are some youths who never Thus, a prayerful youth is a powerful believe that something good can ever youth. come out of them, they are always UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 392

facing Nigerian youths in the realization A youth that has no foundation in God of their full potentials. can easily join bad company. A rotten fruit, they say spoils the good ones. The Conclusively, since the youths aspire truth in this remains that many youths towards noble things they must know have rendered themselves useless, and that they can achieve nobility only with to total ruin because of the type of the help of God who gives them company they involve themselves in. strength. Some form cliques or succumb to If a youth is closer to God, optimistic negative peers influences such as and organized, he/she moves towards cultism, armed robbery, prostitution etc, honorable activities and makes which have obviously led many youths worthwhile resolutions for the growth of to their untimely death. To avoid our future generation. destruction of one’s future, the youths should follow Socrates exhortation, Research Method “Man know thyself.” This research is an evaluative research, which seeks to investigate problems Organisation facing Nigerian youths in the realization A youth who lacks organization or focus of their full potentials. In this study, has the tendency of not building a factual information is collected and brighter future. But when he or she analyzed. knows actually what he/she wants and works towards attaining it, a promising This study was carried out in two future leader emerges. religious congregations namely: Daughters of Divine Love congregation Some are uninformed and so lack the Enugu and Holy Rosary congregation resources or techniques applied at any Enugu. The study is restricted to written time or situation in life. A youth who is answers about youths of the first year versatile and well informed in all Novices in the formation houses of the spheres of life leaves the impression of a two congregations. The two formation qualitative future leader in the mind of houses are predominantly located in the people. All these are the problems eastern part of Nigeria.

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The population for this study is made up taken together, make a total population of the total number of scripts used by of fourty one scripts. the first year Novices of the two The sample is made up of twenty five Congregations in the year 2012. scripts collected from the two formation According to the statistics collected houses. Fifteen scripts were randomly from both formation houses, first year selected from the Daughters of Divine novices of the Daughters of Divine love Love congregation while ten scripts congregation Enugu are twenty one were randomly selected from the Holy while the first year novices of the Holy Rosary congregation, making a total of Rosary congregation are twenty. These twenty five scripts.

Name of the Population Sample Percentage congregation Daughters of Divine love 21 15 51.2% Congregation Enugu Holy Rosary Congregation 20 10 48.8% Enugu Total 41 25 100% Sample of the congregations. (percentage) will be used for the The instruments used to collect the data analysis. for this research are the already marked answer scripts on “youths our future DATA ANALYSIS hope” in the year 2012. The answer Classification of problems scripts of questions on “youths our The number of novices that supported future hope” in the two congregations that youths are not pessimistic were 22, were indepthly analyzed, and problems consisting of a total of 32.4 %, those facing our youths actualization of their that strongly believe that youths must goals has been taken note of. The data build their foundation in God were 24, collected were analysed, based on the consisting of a total of 35.2% while information gathered from the novices’ those that agreed that youth must be scripts. The descriptive statistics more organized and focused were 22 consisting a total of 32.4%. UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 394

Problems Frequency Percentage Youth are not pessimistic 22 32.4% Youth relationship with God 24 35.2% Organization 22 32.4% Total 68 100%

Analysis of data Analysis of the problem, “youth are not pessimistic,” in the Daughters of Divine love formation house, Enugu and Holy Rosary formation house Enugu.

Name of the Problems Frequency percentage congregation Daughters of Divine Youths are not 14 63.6% Love Congregation pessimistic Enugu Holy Rosary Youths are not 8 36.4% Congregation Enugu pessimistic Total 22 100% Table 2: Analysis of the problem youths hinders the youth from achieving their are not pessimistic in the two aim, while Holy Rosary Congregation congregations. Enugu had 36.4%. The table shows that From the above table Daughters of pessimism is a great problem facing our Divine Love Congregation formation youths in the realization of their full house had 63.6% of the problem of potentials. pessimism, as one of the factors that

Analysis of the problem, some youth are not-rooted in God in the two congregations. Name of the congregation Problems Frequency percentage Daughters of Divine Love Youth relationship 15 62.5% Congregation with God Holy Rosary Congregation Youth relationship 9 37.5% with God UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 395

Total 24 100% Table 3 Analysis of the problem, youths Rosary congregation had also 37.5% of relationship with God in the two the same problem. This shows that the congregations. problem is strongly distributed in the two congregations. From the above table, Daughters of Divine Love Congregation Enugu had Analysis of the problem youths must be 62.5% of the problem youths more organized in the two relationship with God while Holy congregations.

Name of the congregation Problems Frequency percentage Daughters of Divine Love Problem of 14 70% Congregation organization Holy Rosary Congregation Problem of 6 30% organization Total 20 100%

Table 4 presents an analysis of the of pessimism, not hoping for the best, problem youths is not organized. The they lack courage and confidence in table shows that lack of co-operation themselves. (with God) is a big problem that hinders youth from achieving their goal in life. Youths Relationship with God: Research hypothesis (2), sets out to find Discussion of Findings out why some youths have shallow trust The discussion of the results of this in God and its consequences towards the study is organized under the following development of our society. Analysis of headings: 4.3 shows that they do not trust in God as the all knowing, by being less affair Problem of Pessimism: in the practice of their own religion, Research hypothesis (1), sets out to find they are not firm in their conviction out the problem of pessimism. Analysis about God. of data in table 4.2 shows that some youths are often faced with the problem Problem of Organization: UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 396

Research hypothesis (3), sets out to find youths have problem that is facing them out the effect of the unorganized nature from achieving their goal. of some youths in our society. Analysis of table 4.4 shows that, they lack Recommendations: organization, focus and are sometimes For these problems to be avoided, the uninformed. researcher suggests that youths should be well directed, focused and put their Summary: trust firmly in God. Parents, teachers, Looking at the findings of this study, religious organizations should help out one discovers that youths have so many in modeling them to the best problems that hinder them from way of life and to be optimistic in life. achieving their aim in life. Some of these problems are being pessimistic, Reference not rooted in God and lack of Aneke, J.G.O. Rerum Novarum. Enugu: organization. CIDJAP. 1996.

These errors were serious because some Austin. F. Vatican II council St. Pauls, youths lacked the knowledge needed 1982. and were most of the times uninformed. According to the purpose of this study, Fr. Eke V.C. How to make a good some of the problems that hinder youth confession and avoid sin, Enugu: from achieving their aim has been Spirit an publishers, 2005Oken. identified and classified. The reasons for C. Family life Education for these errors and the ways of eliminating greater Tomorrow. Enugu: them have been suggested. CIDJAP press Enugu 2005. Good News Bible The problem of youths suggested by the Federal Ministry of Youth and novices from the two congregations was Sports Development 2019 Edition fairly the same. Okeke U.C. Love with or without sex, Conclusion: Awka: fides communication, Based on the findings of this study, the 2005. researcher concludes by saying that The pastors’ magazine: Nigerian UNIJERPS Unizik Journal of Educational Research and Policy Studies VOL.5; https://unijerps.org January-June, 2021 397

politics and electoral process, Special Rapporteur for March 2011 -April 2012. Extrajudicial, Summary or United Nation, (2019)End of visit Arbitrary Executions statement of the Special 2 September 2019 Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Voice of mercy: In search of a on her visit to Nigeria, Agnes meaningful future Oxford Callamard, United Nations Advanced Leaner’s Dictionary.

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