ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE OCT 2023

INTERVIEW
Alex Ntino
Alex Ntino is the Director of ‘The Platform Foundation’, a nonprofit
organisation committed to efforts to raise a responsible
generation with projects centred around education, empowerment
and relief programmes.
Accomplish
Magazine: What
do you think about
being told that
you are leaders of
tomorrow?
Alex Ntino: The
saying “youth are
the leaders of tomorrow” has been widely used but,
unfortunately, it has not been fully realised in Nigeria
and Africa. Although the sentiment is positive, it has
mostly been just words without action. To be called
a leader of tomorrow is a tremendous privilege,
but it also carries significant obligations. It implies
that I have a role to play in shaping the world and
contributing to a brighter future for my country.
It is, sometimes, disheartening to consistently
hear that I will be the future leader, yet never be
provided with the chance to lead in the present. This
is particularly the case in Nigeria, where those in
power often cling onto their positions for extended
periods. I firmly believe that the youth hold the key to
Nigeria’s future, as well as that of Africa.
Despite the various challenges, we will eventually
inherit the country and have to confront the
repercussions of present-day decisions. Hence, it
is imperative for us to actively participate in the
political process and demand that our voices be
heard. The frustration among young Nigerians
arises from the fact that, despite being told they
are the future, they often find themselves excluded
from meaningful participation in decision-making
processes. This has led to a sense of disillusionment
and scepticism regarding the sincerity of political
leaders.
The youth’s scepticism is understandable in
the present political climate characterised by
corruption, religious divides, and a reluctance
or outright refusal, among the political elite, to
relinquish power. However, it’s crucial that this
sentiment doesn’t lead to apathy but rather fuel a
drive for change.
Accomplish Magazine: Why haven’t youth, who are
in larger number, not holding high political offices?
Alex Ntino: There are multiple reasons why young
people are not well-represented in high political
positions; such as systemic barriers and
the firmly established political culture in
Nigeria. The political atmosphere is toxic,
with corruption and power concentration
being prevalent, leading to incumbents using
their influence to stay in power, which makes
it difficult for newer and younger voices to
come forward.
Additionally, political parties tend to be
dominated by older individuals who may be
reluctant to pass the torch to the younger
generation. This power dynamic further
hinders youth participation in politics.
Furthermore, the religious divides in Nigeria
have been weaponised by politicians to
maintain their grip on power, perpetuating
divisions that make it difficult for youth to
mobilize collectively. In a nutshell, older
generation politicians have employed
corruption; ageism; lack of mentorship;
political, economic, social intimidation; and
nepotism to fasten their grip on the political
system!
Accomplish Magazine: Is there anything
youth can do to redress the situation?
Alex Ntino: Taking into account the
present toxic political climate of Nigeria,
the corruption, the religious divides and the
tendency of the political elite to hold onto
power and the fact that our past leaders
were very young when they had power but
do not trust the youth to continue where
they might have left off, it is important for
young people to be aware of the challenges
that they face in Nigerian politics. It is also
important for them to remember that they are
the future of the country and that they have
the power to make a difference.
I do not advocate for insulting the
government or people in leadership. Doing so
only perpetuates the unending cycle of strife
in our society.
According to my spiritual beliefs, it is
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Accomplish Magazine