Eccentric Nigerian singer and songwriter, Charly Boy, born Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa has revealed why he fears for the future of Nigeria. The 71-year-old entertainer spoke on the state of the nation during a chat with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the host of Rubbin Minds on Channels TV.
The singer pointed out that one of his concerns is the ‘relentlessness’ of those he described as state forces who have deprived the youth of their future.
“Young people are beginning to realise they have to restrategise and that the future of the Nigerian contraption can only be salvaged by the exceptional ones among them,” Charly Boy said.
“I’m worried because enemies who have stolen the future of young Nigerians will stop at nothing to wipe them out.
“The day the Lekki massacre happened, I had a meeting with young protesters to suggest a drawback to restrategise because state forces can do anything, but what happened happened. I’m scared of what becomes of Nigeria.
“2023 is around the corner and a lot can go wrong. When I look at our toxic environment and what has become of Nigeria I used to know; the hopelessness of young people who believe things will never get better, I’m not happy.”
Charly Boy called on Nigerian youths to leverage their growing population and harness technology to their advantage.
“Most young people were born as the rot worsened. Anyone born after 1970 didn’t witness the Nigeria I was born into. I feel sorry for them as it has always been bad from then when we started this downward slide,” he added.
“I feel sorry for young people, many of whom are acting out in ignorance. They don’t know any better. But I still believe the salvation of Nigeria lies in the hands of exceptional people who are among the youth.
“I’m not surprised that, when young people leave Nigeria, they blossom. Young people should stop feeling there’s nothing they can do because they have so much working in their favour technology-wise and in numbers.
“Our enemies will do what they always do from their old playbook. You can’t convincingly prove that the mindset of the 18th century can conquer that of the 21st. It’s not going to happen. It’s just a question of time.”
