PRESSURE AND ITS EFFECTS ON NIGERIAN YOUTHS.

 The average Nigerian youth has one or more ‘pressing issues’ which makes him/her overthink every day. Pressure comes in different forms, and stages of life. It also has several, although, similar effect in 8 out of every 10 Nigerian youths. In this article, I will duly explain the kinds of pressure put on Nigerian youths and how it affects them. Then list possible solutions for them.

Peer Pressure: this is paramount to note, as it is the core and sometimes inevitable. In a case where miss Judith is a civil servant that earns N95,000 monthly, she already has her scale of preference and budget mapped out, she sees a trendy and beautiful wig which costs N150,000 on her friend Daniella, her group of friends persuade her tirelessly, despite their knowledge of her salary and mode of living. Miss Judith tries to resist the urge to go for the wig but ends up making the purchase which she later regretted the decision.

Societal Pressure: pressure from the society is undermined and therefore overlooked. In our society today, there are certain standards that have been set, which makes a man or woman that is barely getting through every day, suddenly want to own a car, and other material things which drifts their thoughts away from the most important things which are; happiness and a sound mind/mental health. The said standards have made a man that does not own a car is not living a flashy lifestyle, less of a man, this has pushed many youths into doing unlawful things just to make ends meet. It has made men/women who are 25 years and older and not married, feel like they are a failure. Whereas they should be encouraged and taught to love themselves first, work on their social skills, have better relationships with their families, instead of trying so hard to impress people.

Pressure From Parents: this is not talked about enough, but here I am, to give my 2 cents. Parents although indirectly, pressure their children. In essence, parents, sometimes mothers, persistently nag their children (both male and female) to get married to ‘carry on their lineage’ or simply because they want grandchildren early. They say this without putting into consideration, their child’s plans, thereby making it seem as though they (the youths) are incapable of making life decisions on their own. Imagine a mother telling her 27-year-old daughter that she is growing old and may exceed her prime and the age to get married, even when the 27-year-old is clearly not ready to settle down. Parents should do better, ask your children about their priorities, get to know them better, they have grown so much on their own and have different definitions of what life should be, ideally.

Pressure By Oneself: this right here, should have been the first, but as they say, save the best, for last. It is certainly not emphasized on enough, how much pressure we put on ourselves as youths, especially in present day Nigeria.

  We read on the news, almost every day, about youths taking their own lives, doing outrageous things just to feel among. Why would a young and growing man feel pressured by his younger girlfriend because he is currently unable to buy her an iPhone 13 pro max or the most expensive wigs, or go exotic on trips often and live flamboyantly? Same reason a lady feels the need to ‘chill with the big boys’ and give the ‘rich aunty vibes’.

The peer, societal, and parental pressure, are all reasons why the average Nigerian youth feels the need to ‘japa’ or take sniper to ‘end it all’.

I have come to the final paragraph of my essay. Youths should learn to have a mind of their own, if you believe that praying will resolve your strife, then always pray, if there is a friend giving negative energy or forcing unwanted thoughts on you, feel free to cut that person off, a true friend will want the best for you at all times. If you feel that your environment is unhealthy for you and your mental health, make plans to move to a better place that encourages a healthy living and mindset. If your parents are on your neck for whatever it may be, quietly and RESPECTFULLY make them to see things from your own point of view (‘respectfully’ in full caps because African parents will always be African parents. Haha!). We should learn to live our lives for ourselves, and as we do so, be sure to not hurt anyone else, that is where it gets messy, also, we should take some time out to rejuvenate, maybe go to Oniru beach and watch the sun set just to feel better. Go for therapy and book appointments with a life coach, doctor, Pastor, Priest, or Imam whenever we feel down bad. I am of the strong opinion that the government and Non-governmental Organizations should conduct seminars from time-to-time, for the youths who are the supposed Leaders of tomorrow. There will be no ‘leaders of tomorrow’ if we all japa or live recklessly and get frustrated and depressed o! Life is worth living as You Only Live Once. Look at yourself in the mirror every now and then to appreciate that beauty! Reaffirm that you are a spec, you are more than enough, and you are doing your best. If your boss at work is giving you a hard time, endure for the 9-5, when you finally get home, shower, Netflix and chill or get your favorite meal, with good food, you can never go wrong.

 “Act as if what you do makes a difference, it certainly does”.

             -Williams James.