You probably read the title of this and thought, “Dramatic much?” Usually, yes; but this time, I’m not being dramatic enough.

There are hashtags spreading like wildfire across the globe that are bringing awareness and calling for change to the deplorable treatment of African citizens.

Please research what’s happening in Congo, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cameroon, Namibia and so many other countries, including the one I’m from—Nigeria.

The #EndSARS protest has caught the world’s attention. The Nigerian youth have been protesting against police brutality, which has since evolved into a protest of a government overhaul to provide basic human rights.

It’s been a long time coming really.

Unemployment rates are sky high, so people are graduating with a college degree and nowhere to apply it. Electricity is not constant. Access to clean water is inconsistent, and running water is still a luxury. Some roads are in undriveable conditions. Plus, there is barely any government assistance to address the issues.

But why?

Don’t get it twisted. Nigeria has money. Africa has money. That continent is so rich in natural resources it’s ridiculous.

But when there has been a history of “those in charge” lining their own pockets without caring for the needs of the people, you have a system in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer (with worsening living conditions).

As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality exist in our world, none of us can truly rest. – Nelson Mandela

This is a humanity issue.

The next generation said enough is enough. The Nigerian youth felt they basically have nothing to lose with little to no hope for their future in the hands of the current leaders. So, they took to the streets to let their demands be known.

As the days went on and the peaceful protests weren’t letting up, the demonstrations in Lagos turned bloody as armed security forces visited the scene and started shooting at the unarmed youth. The military barred the ambulance from rescuing the injured.

Several were left dead, and there were reports of deaths in other protests around the country as well.

I’m not here to report the news. (Although that’s basically my career.)

Today, I’m just asking you to read up.

Get educated about what’s happening. Know what it looks like when colonization turns into exploitation and corruption after gaining independence.

History has lasting effects. There’s no “just getting over it.”

I read this post on social media today, and it’s so true, “The only thing separating me from the youth in Nigeria is a flight.”

For my parents, it was two flights (long story); but even belonging to the diaspora, we are one.

Don’t turn your back on the issues. Shed light to them.

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. – Albert Einstein

I’ll be talking more about this continental revolution in this week’s video. But there’s plenty for you to read up on in the meantime.

Shoutout to everyone who is using their God-given gifts to evoke change. Your work will not be in vain.