Nigerian rapper, Illbliss, has delivered a scathing critique of the government’s failure to support the country’s youth, describing the current climate as one of the most difficult periods to be young in Nigeria.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Real Shareholders podcast, Illbliss reflected on the combined effects of poor governance and harmful societal trends, which according to him are leading many young Nigerians into hopelessness and desperation.
“This generation celebrates not just mediocrity, but indecision,” he said. “Everything is seen as ‘cool’—from drug abuse to entitlement and a refusal to work. Under this mindset, many are encouraged to live recklessly without consequences.”
The rapper also cited systemic failures as a major contributor to youth disillusionment.
“The government has woefully failed young people in recent years,” he stated. “I know boys who say, ‘Oga, we dey street, we dey press, because government no send.’ That’s their reality. One even told me he had to resort to fraud to afford medicine for his mother battling cancer because a legitimate salary just couldn’t cover the cost.”
According to Illbliss, many Nigerian youths feel mentally drained and abandoned, forced to fend for themselves in an environment with little opportunity and even less support.
“Young people are tired. They’re just doing whatever they can to survive,” he lamented. “It’s a tough time being young in Nigeria. In fact, it’s a tough time aging here. It’s a tough time being born here.”