Speaking to NAN on the 55th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence, the Entertainment legend, Charly boy, said Nigeria as a nation is still economically and politically dependent, and this is reflecting in the youth’s attitude to life.
He said:
“He said it is now 55 years since we gained independence as a nation. My serious concern is the youth who are said to be the future leaders. They are yet to see life with the attitude of true independence.
They still look on government, their parents and Nigeria for everything, and the change they so much desire cannot come that way.
Why can’t they look inward, take their future in their hands through hard work and personal development?”
The ‘Area fada’, as he is fondly called by young people, recounted his experience as someone who worked independently to attain stardom and relevance and urged the youth to be self-sustaining.
He continued:
“My advice for every Nigerian youth is to imbibe the ‘Charlie Boy philosophy’ of self dependence.
It is therapeutic for me to share a little bit of my experience with the youth, not just as Charlie Boy, but as a friend, a big brother and a mentor.
It had been a very bumpy ride to my present location and the success attained so far.
Many people think that as a son of a former Justice, I did not struggle for myself, but it is not true. The only thing my father gave me was good education.’’
He explained that at a point he was almost abandoned by his father because of what he believed was okay by him, and that made him to start fending for himself very early.
He stressed that “every Nigerian youth can change for the better, by taking responsibility for their lives instead of looking up to government and parents for everything.’’
He said government alone would not be able to create jobs and enabling environment for all Nigerians, and therefore urged youths to discover and develop their talents.