The Chairman of the Wuse Market Traders Association in Abuja, Mr Okorie Ikechukwu-Raphael, has decried the ‘get-rich-quick’ syndrome among the teeming population of youths in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Friday, he urged citizens, especially young people, to embrace hard work and resist the temptation of shortcuts to wealth through involvement in criminal activities.

The market leader called for a renewed national orientation to instil confidence, discipline, and productivity in the country’s youth.

He said, “Nigerians also need confidence in the country and a renewed work ethic. Too many young people expect wealth overnight. Life doesn’t work that way. I grew up farming with my grandparents, producing food for our community, even while schooling.

“Youth should be encouraged to get educated, embrace agriculture, and engage in meaningful work. That’s how nations are built. Unfortunately, when you walk the streets at night, you sometimes see young people wasting their potential, and it’s heartbreaking. The government must do more to reorient our youth and show them the rewards of hard work.”

Ikechukwu-Raphael maintained that while economic reforms would take time to fully yield results, collective responsibility, moderation in pricing and investment in Agriculture would help Nigerians weather the current hardship.

Calling on traders to guard against excessive profiteering and price increases of food items, he emphasised the need for coordinated efforts by well-meaning Nigerians to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.

He noted that insecurity and poor infrastructure remain the greatest threats to food production, adding that ongoing efforts by the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Works are aimed at addressing these challenges.