Tacha Labels Nigerian Youths the “Most Cowardly Generation” Over National Apathy

Popular Nigerian reality TV personality, Anita Natacha Akide, widely known as Tacha, has strongly criticized the younger generation of Nigerians, accusing them of being passive and uninterested in meaningful national transformation.

Taking to her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Tacha vented her frustration, claiming that contemporary Nigerian youths lack the bravery and conviction displayed by previous generations who once risked everything to fight for political and societal change.

In a candid and emotional series of tweets, she lamented that today’s youth are more obsessed with relocating abroad, creating online content, or pursuing personal luxury, rather than engaging in serious discussions or actions related to nation-building and civic responsibility.

“The current generation of Nigerian youths are nothing but cowardly. It’s ironic how we continue to place blame on past leaders and generations, yet we shy away from taking bold steps to rewrite our story,” she wrote.

Tacha went further to compare the passive tendencies of modern youth with the boldness of young Nigerians in the past. She referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that in his twenties, he was part of a military coup — an act that, whether right or wrong, reflected a readiness to fight for a cause.

“Ex-President Buhari, at a young age, participated in a coup, believing in a vision. Meanwhile, today’s 20-year-olds are busy planning their ‘Japa’ route,” she remarked.

Using the colloquial term “Japa”, which refers to the act of fleeing the country in search of better opportunities, Tacha expressed deep concern about the shift in priorities among today’s youth. Instead of stepping up to influence politics or governance, she believes most are content with chasing social media relevance, obtaining visas, or making viral content.

“Believe me, we haven’t just failed the next generation; we’ve already buried its chances,” she stated, adding that the fearless spirit of activism that once defined young Nigerians is fast becoming extinct.

While her tone was critical, Tacha made it clear that her intent was not to personally attack individuals but to shine a light on a systemic problem within her generation. She emphasized that her remarks weren’t about seeking attention but were aimed at provoking national awareness.

“People often ask me, ‘What have you done?’ I’ve used my voice. I speak up. I show up. I refuse to remain silent,” she declared.

She concluded by urging her peers to reflect on their roles and responsibilities as Nigerians. According to her, the youth must begin to prioritize national interest over personal ease if the country is to have any hope of redemption