In 2017, my dearly beloved Rev. ⁦ @sam_adeyemi⁩ invited me to ⁦ @DaystarNG⁩, to speak at Excellence in Leadership Conference. I was inspired to share on the emergence of a new generation that I call the #BornDemocrats. Fearless! They’re all the young heroes of #EndSARs

These young Nigerians who were mostly born into democracy (from 1999), are now 21 and below. They have no respect for status quo and no regard for injustice. Above all, they’re courageous. Partly because they were never under military rule or been slapped by a soldier. #EndSARs

I’ve always known that they carried an unlocking key to Nigeria’s future. Largely because they understand “decentralization” more than any other generation. They’re also not looking for recognition, unlike my generation that got carried away with awards and lists. #EndSARs

Yesterday I saw firsthand how someone much older was pushing to be the one to address the Deputy Gov. @ladytiffs_ immediately stepped back and said let him do it. Until I said no, Tife you organized this. This is your moment to state your case. #EndSARs

I couldn’t even believe that I had to be explaining to a grown man why he should let her speak. But I believe me had to take time to explain. Then we all stood back. In that moment, it dawned on me that this may be the people who take it huge step further than us. #EndSARs

The point of this story is, right before our eyes, a generation of young people are fighting for their collective destinies. Their #BornDemocrat nature allows them to do so in a “safe” environment. Our collective role as those ahead of them is to ask “how can we help?” #EndSARs

This is not the moment for personal glory but a national one, shown by new face/voices. Going forward they need advice, tools, platforms, funds and mentoring. That’s our role now. Leave them alone and let them shine. We all have been called to play different roles. #EndSARS

And so to you my dearly beloved #BornDemocrats, go forth and succeed where many of us fell short. May God go ahead of you and may the force be with you.

Sincerely!

#EndPoliceBrutality #EndSARs #Nigeria