The Ogun Youth Advocate for Social Development (OGYASD) mourns the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, whose death marks the end of an era that evokes mixed emotions across generations. As an organization dedicated to the advancement of youth and sustainable social development, we extend our condolences to the Buhari family and the people of Nigeria during this time of national reflection.
While we pay our respects to the office he once held, it is impossible to ignore the deep and lingering shadows left by decisions not taken, promises unfulfilled, and opportunities lost under his leadership. History will remember President Buhari as a man who returned to power with the hopes of millions behind him—especially the youth who longed for real change. Sadly, many of those hopes faded into frustration.
President Buhari had the chance to rewrite the story of a generation. He had the structure, the influence, and the goodwill—especially at the beginning of his administration. He spoke of anti-corruption, security, and economic revival. But for many Nigerian youths, his administration came to represent increased hardship, limited access to quality jobs, a weakened education sector, and a growing sense of disconnection from governance.
We reflect on the #EndSARS protests—a movement driven by a desperate youth population seeking justice and reform—and how it was met with silence, force, and denial. We reflect on the consistent neglect of young innovators, job creators, and grassroots changemakers who never received the platforms or support they deserved.
At OGYASD, we believe that legacies are not only built on tenure, but on impact. Former President Buhari may have had moments of good intention, but history will remember that intention without action amounts to little. We owe it to future leaders—especially those among the youth—to learn from his leadership. Let us not repeat the mistake of allowing potential to go unrealized.
As we extend our prayers for his soul to rest in peace, we urge Nigerian leaders—present and future—to lead with purpose, humility, and vision. The youth must never again be ignored in national transformation.
