In the annals of our nation’s history, never before have Nigerian youths been as close to deciphering the root causes of our myriad problems as we are today.
Yet, amidst the chaos that surrounds us, there is a glimmer of understanding – albeit tenuous.
Understandably, the average Nigerian youth is preoccupied with grappling with their basic needs, leaving little room for contemplation on the deeper issues plaguing our country.
However, Maya Angelou’s words ring true: “The root cause of all the problems we have in the world today is ignorance, of course. But most of all, polarization.”
Our steadfast refusal to acknowledge grey areas and our entrenched polarization are corrosive forces, eroding the very fabric of our nationhood.
This polarization is exacerbated daily by the Nigerian media, which thrives on our chaos. From sensationalized headlines to unverified information and clickbait tactics, the media’s modus operandi seems more aligned with profiting from discord than fostering unity.
In an era dominated by social media, where snackable content reigns supreme, substantive journalism often takes a backseat.
The media landscape, for the most part, is dominated by negativity. As Peter McWilliams astutely observed, “Bad news gets higher ratings and sells more than good news.”
Yet, while this may explain the media’s penchant for sensationalism, it does not absolve them of their responsibility to uphold ethical standards.
As a media professional myself, I am acutely aware of the dilemma faced: conform to popular narratives or champion truth and integrity.
However, it is imperative to recognize that within the realm of media ethics lies the duty to promote patriotism, advocate for peace, and foster national unity – values that are indispensable for our country’s progress.
Every day, our nation’s image is tarnished, perpetuating a cycle of negativity that only serves to deepen our woes. The media, complicit in perpetuating ignorance among the youth, capitalizes on their susceptibility to misinformation and sensationalism.
It is incumbent upon young Nigerians to realize that ignorance is no longer a viable excuse; we must arm ourselves with knowledge and engage in the discourse surrounding governance and politics if we are to fulfill our potential as future leaders.
However, our current approach – merely skimming the surface of our problems – is akin to pruning a tree’s branches without addressing its root.
It offers no lasting solutions, only temporary respite from our collective anguish. This is an exposé on how the Nigerian media perpetuates chaos and how the youth must resist being mere pawns in their game for clicks and ratings.
In conclusion, the onus is on us, the youth of Nigeria, to rise above the fray and reclaim our narrative. We must demand accountability from the media, empower ourselves with knowledge, and actively participate in shaping the future of our nation.
Only then can we hope to transcend the chaos and build a Nigeria we can all be proud of.
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Tofunmi Akinseye, CEO and Publisher of Savvy Media Africa, is a highly accomplished professional in the media and communications field.
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